Nigeria’s IGH pioneers human genome sequencing in Africa

NIGERIA— The Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State, has made history by successfully sequencing the entire human genome, a first for Nigeria.

Formerly known as the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, the institute has also achieved another milestone: it became the first in Africa to carry out human genome sequencing using Illumina’s NovaSeq™ X Plus sequencer. 

Genomic sequencing is a scientific technique used to map the entire genetic makeup of an organism or cell.

This technology provides valuable insights into the building blocks of life, offering opportunities to study genetic variations and understand diseases at a deeper level.

The IGH highlighted that although Africa is home to immense genetic diversity and is considered the birthplace of humanity, only 2% of the human genomes sequenced globally so far are from African populations. 

The NovaSeq™ X Plus sequencer has an impressive capacity, capable of sequencing over 20,000 whole genomes annually—2.5 times more than its predecessor, the NovaSeq™ 6000.

This advancement coincides with the launch of the Genomics and Bioinformatics Training Academy at IGH, which aims to train professionals in cutting-edge areas such as next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence applications. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool for identifying and monitoring genetic changes in organisms.

It has broad applications, including tracking foodborne diseases and improving responses to outbreaks through a One Health approach. WGS is also instrumental in diagnosing diseases like cancer and developing targeted treatments. 

IGH’s Director and Founder, Professor Christian Happi, emphasized that this achievement not only advances genomic research in Africa but also opens doors to precision medicine, targeted therapies, and disease prevention.

By successfully sequencing 11 human samples, IGH has laid a strong foundation for exploring the genetic factors influencing diseases that predominantly affect African populations.

Illumina’s General Manager of Emerging Markets, Gregory Essert, commended IGH for its commitment to advancing genomics on the continent.

He noted that the institute’s efforts highlight Africa’s growing role in global genomic research and its potential to revolutionize healthcare. 

The collaboration between IGH and Illumina, established in 2023, reflects a shared commitment to transforming healthcare and scientific research in Africa.

The partnership is expected to revolutionize how diseases are studied and treated by equipping African researchers with cutting-edge genomics tools, ensuring that Africa remains at the forefront of global genetic research.

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