UDUYARS is a student-led initiative at Usmanu Danfodiyo University dedicated to combating antimicrobial resistance through education, outreach, and innovative strategies.

“I found several culture plates where none of the six antibiotics placed on them had any effect on the bacteria,” recalled Habibullah Ibuowo, a Medical Laboratory Science student. Her startling discovery occurred during a 10-week clinical training required for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) students. It was her first encounter with antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a problem growing quietly but dangerously in labs worldwide.

Ibuowo’s experience sparked a deeper interest in sensitivity testing, where bacteria are cultured alongside antibiotics to determine which drugs can effectively treat infections. But what intrigued her most was the unsettling reality of bacterial resistance to multiple antibiotics. Motivated by curiosity and concern, Ibuowo sought more information on AMR and soon became part of a student-driven initiative fighting this escalating threat. She joined the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Young Antimicrobial Resistance Stewards (UDUYARS).

UDUYARS is no ordinary student club. This pioneering initiative brings together a multidisciplinary team of students united by a shared mission: to fight the spread of AMR and confront related health challenges. Their efforts align with the global action plan on AMR and directly contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3—Good Health and Well-being. At the local level, UDUYARS raises awareness and protects the community’s health.

The club’s vision is nothing short of ambitious. Working with medical and non-medical innovators, UDUYARS aims to become a trailblazing force in the fight against AMR, developing innovative strategies and solutions that tackle the problem head-on. By equipping themselves with cutting-edge knowledge and tools, these students stand at the forefront of what the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has described as “disturbing first-hand evidence of what happens when drugs stop working.”

“I was more than happy to join hands with them to help spread the word,” Ibuowo shared, reflecting on her advocacy efforts. Her role as a vocal advocate of antimicrobial stewardship has led her to engage peers, friends, and colleagues in critical conversations about the responsible use of antibiotics, the dangers of misuse, and the looming threat of AMR. Now serving as the Outreach Coordinator for the club, she takes part in community outreach programs and has visited pediatric wards at the University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) to educate young people on antimicrobial stewardship.

The ripple effect of UDUYARS has extended far beyond just one student. Adeleke Shakirat Adenike, a Nursing Science student, credits the club with transforming her professional perspective. “Before UDUYARS, I had only a basic understanding of AMR. I didn’t fully grasp its significance as a global threat,” she admitted. Through her involvement in outreach programs and presentations, Adenike has not only deepened her knowledge but also gained the confidence to address a wider audience on the importance of AMR awareness.

“I’ve learned so much,” she added. “It’s been amazing to share that knowledge with my peers, and UDUYARS has given me a sense of purpose. It’s fostered a strong spirit of volunteerism in me, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling. My public speaking skills have also improved through this experience.”

The significance of AMR is hard to overstate, and UDUYARS continues to rally students from across disciplines in its campaign. Safiyyah Ismaeel, from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, is keenly aware of the urgency. “We see the need to educate young people about AMR because this growing global issue is making infections harder and harder to treat,” she explained. “By working together, we can spread awareness across all departments and fight this menace.”

In the face of an ever-evolving health crisis, UDUYARS demonstrates how collective action, led by an inspired generation of students, can contribute to solving one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.