SayAMR Language Hackathon 2026: Call for Applications for Nigerian University Students
The SayAMR Language Hackathon is a national innovation challenge designed to simplify Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) concepts by translating them into widely spoken Nigerian languages.
The hackathon is organized by DRASA Health Trust in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Centre for Infection Control and Patient Safety (CICaPS), and the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU).
This initiative brings together students, linguists, researchers, and public health advocates to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community understanding, ensuring AMR information is accessible, relatable, and actionable at the grassroots level.
What Is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—evolve to resist medicines designed to kill them.
As a result, infections become harder to treat, leading to prolonged illness, higher healthcare costs, and increased risk of severe complications and death.
Without urgent action, AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, pushing millions into poverty due to long-term illness, reduced productivity, and escalating medical expenses. Despite its severity, public awareness of AMR remains limited, especially at the community level.
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Purpose of the SayAMR Language Hackathon
The SayAMR Language Hackathon aims to improve public understanding of AMR by developing accurate, culturally appropriate, and easy-to-understand terminology in the following Nigerian languages:
- Hausa
- Igbo
- Yoruba
- Nigerian Pidgin
By breaking language barriers, the hackathon strengthens grassroots awareness, improves health communication, and supports Nigeria’s national AMR response strategy.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Teams must consist of 4–8 multidisciplinary students (undergraduate and/or postgraduate) from an accredited Nigerian university (federal, state, or private).
- Each team must include at least one faculty member from a Linguistics department. Where no Linguistics department exists, a faculty member from a closely related discipline may participate.
- A minimum of 25% of team members must be from linguistics or language-focused disciplines, such as English, Nigerian Languages, translation, writing, or related fields.
- All student participants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Teams must obtain formal endorsement from the Vice Chancellor or the Vice Chancellor’s delegated authority.
- Submissions must be made in at least one of the approved languages: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, or Nigerian Pidgin.
Submission Requirements
Each team must submit the following:
- Valid means of identification (National ID or equivalent) for all team members, including faculty
- Proof of student enrolment in a linguistics or related course
- Proof of faculty appointment
- Letter of endorsement from the Vice Chancellor or delegated authority
- A written statement (300–400 words) demonstrating understanding of AMR and summarizing the research or desk review conducted
- Video, audio, and pictorial evidence, plus a written report (250–400 words) documenting expert consultations, including a database of consulted individuals (name, designation, organization, phone number, and email)
- Video, audio, and pictorial evidence, plus a written report (200–300 words) documenting the community pilot for each language submission
- A short video clearly explaining the developed terminology using full sentences in the chosen language(s)
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Development Stages for Submissions
All teams must complete the following three stages:
1. Research Stage
Teams must conduct desk research on AMR concepts and how similar terms have been translated in other languages globally. A 300–400-word summary of findings and the team’s understanding of AMR must be submitted.
2. Consultation Stage
Teams must engage subject-matter experts, including AMR specialists, linguists, healthcare professionals, lecturers, and community leaders. Evidence (video, audio, pictorial) and a 250–400-word report are required.
3. Community Pilot Stage
Developed terminologies must be tested among native speakers in real community settings such as markets, religious gatherings, town halls, or other public spaces. Teams must submit evidence and a 200–300-word report documenting public feedback and refinements made.
Note: While Nigerian languages have multiple dialects, submissions must focus on the most widely spoken standard dialect to ensure clarity and consistency (e.g., Igbo Izugbe for Igbo).
What Happens to Winning Entries?
Winning submissions will be adopted and showcased through:
- National AMR awareness and communication campaigns
- AMR-focused school programs
- Community engagement and outreach initiatives
These contributions will play a direct role in strengthening Nigeria’s public health communication framework.
