Idoma native, Peter Akor gains recognition in UK for AI epilepsy breakthrough

A Benue State-born researcher, Peter Akor, from Owukpa in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State, has gained international recognition in the United Kingdom after contributing to the development of an artificial intelligence-powered epilepsy prediction technology that secured £250,000 in competitive government funding.

Akor, an Idoma native and PhD student at Glasgow Caledonian University, developed the AI solutions and minimum viable product for the innovative headset designed to predict epileptic seizures. The project received funding under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Proof of Concept programme, following a highly competitive selection process.

The research team, supervised by Professor Hadi Larijani, emerged among a small number of successful applicants from dozens of proposals submitted nationwide. The funding is expected to support further development and potential clinical deployment of the technology aimed at improving epilepsy care.

Before relocating to the United Kingdom for doctoral studies, Akor spent several years preaching across rural communities in Idoma land and also worked as a university lecturer in Nigeria. His transition from ministry to advanced AI research was reportedly motivated by personal experiences, including the loss of a family member to seizures.

Speaking on his journey, Akor noted that his work focuses on improving lives through innovation, adding that the AI system is designed to detect and predict seizures early, thereby enabling timely medical intervention.

The Benue-born researcher has also received academic recognition for his contributions, including a best poster award at an epilepsy research conference, authorship in international journal publications, and involvement in a patent application for the AI-powered technology.

With the UKRI funding, the project is expected to move closer to clinical application through collaborations with healthcare institutions in Scotland. The innovation aims to provide improved monitoring and prediction tools for epilepsy patients globally.

Akor’s achievement has been described by observers as a significant milestone showcasing the growing global impact of Nigerian researchers in advanced healthcare technology.