Exploring Nigeria's genomic revolution through collaborative science, capacity building, and innovative research
Imagine exploring the most diverse genetic landscape on the planet, where answers to human origins, disease susceptibility, and agricultural resilience might lie hidden in patterns of DNA. This isn't science fiction—it's the reality of Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation and one of the most genetically diverse countries in the world.
Home to 250 ethnic groups and over 500 native languages, Nigeria represents a living library of human genetic variation that has remained largely unexplored until recently 1 8 .
For decades, African populations were dramatically underrepresented in genomic research, creating significant gaps in our understanding of human biology and disease. The establishment of the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network (NBGN) in 2019 marked a pivotal turning point—a collaborative platform designed to position Nigerian scientists at the forefront of the genomic revolution 1 .
In just a few years, this network has attracted hundreds of members worldwide, organized groundbreaking conferences, and begun to unlock the potential of Nigeria's rich genetic heritage for the benefit of not only its own population but the entire global community 1 .
The NBGN emerged from a critical recognition: although Nigeria possesses extraordinary genetic diversity crucial to global genomic initiatives, the country lacked sufficient trained genomicists and bioinformaticians to fully leverage this resource 1 . The network was officially inaugurated on June 26, 2019, at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Lagos, during Nigeria's premier bioinformatics conference 1 .
The mission of NBGN is both ambitious and essential: to advance and sustain the fields of genomics and bioinformatics in Nigeria by serving as a vehicle to foster collaboration, create opportunities for early career researchers, and provide skills development through workshops, trainings, and conferences 1 . What began as an idea has rapidly grown into a vibrant scientific community.
The immediate response to NBGN's establishment revealed a pent-up demand for such a network. Within a short time, NBGN attracted more than 650 members from at least 16 countries worldwide, with Ph.D. students representing the largest membership category 1 . This explosive growth demonstrated the significant appetite for bioinformatics and genomics collaboration among Nigerian researchers and the global scientific diaspora.
| Member Category | Percentage of Total | Research Focus Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. Students | Highest percentage | Population genetics, disease genomics |
| Early Career Researchers | Significant portion | Agricultural bioinformatics, medical genomics |
| Senior Scientists | Notable representation | Genomics policy, infrastructure development |
| International Collaborators | Growing segment | Capacity building, joint research projects |
The momentum behind Nigeria's genomic revolution continues to build, with NBGN announcing its 3rd Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Conference (NBGN2025) scheduled for September 23-26, 2025, at Bowen University in Iwo, Osun State 2 .
The conference theme—"The Role of Functional Bioinformatics in the Actualization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)"—highlights how genomic science is being positioned to address pressing national and continental challenges 2 .
September 23-26, 2025
Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State
NBGN2025 represents a maturation of Nigeria's genomic research ecosystem, featuring:
The conference will explore cutting-edge applications of genomic science across multiple domains, from precision medicine and agricultural genomics to biodiversity conservation and environmental science 2 . This breadth demonstrates how NBGN serves as an interdisciplinary bridge connecting diverse fields through shared computational and genomic approaches.
| Sub-theme | Potential Applications | SDG Alignment |
|---|---|---|
| Genomics, Big Data & AI for Precision Medicine | Personalized treatment based on genetic profiles | SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being |
| Bioinformatics in Agricultural Genomics | Developing climate-resilient crops | SDG 2: Zero Hunger |
| Biodiversity Genomics & Conservation | Protecting endangered species | SDG 15: Life on Land |
| Ethics, Policy & Data Governance | Ensuring equitable benefit sharing | SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions |
| Microbiome & Metagenomics | Understanding environmental health | SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation |
Beyond conferences and collaborations, NBGN places heavy emphasis on developing human capacity in bioinformatics and genomics. The network organizes specialized trainings in the form of workshops, seminars, short courses, and symposia to support Nigerian scientists working in biomedical and life sciences 1 .
These initiatives aim to provide strong foundations in bioinformatics and computational genomics, with participants expected to step down the training within their own institutions—creating a multiplier effect that amplifies the network's impact across the country 1 .
Specialized sessions on genomic tools and analysis techniques for researchers at all career stages.
Incorporating bioinformatics into life sciences programs to build foundational knowledge.
Establishing specialized M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in bioinformatics and genomics.
Modern genomic research relies on a sophisticated infrastructure of technologies, databases, and analytical tools. Through workshops and training sessions, NBGN introduces researchers to essential components of the genomic science toolkit:
Technologies like Illumina NextSeq, NovaSeq, MGI G400, and Oxford Nanopore PromethION
Specialized programs for processing, analyzing, and interpreting vast genomic datasets
High-performance computing resources needed to handle substantial genomic data
NBGN does not operate in isolation but forms part of a broader African genomic renaissance taking shape across the continent. Initiatives like the African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) are working to advance genomics and bioinformatics capacity throughout Africa while promoting sustainable bioeconomy strategies and biodiversity conservation .
In 2024 alone, AfricaBP Open Institute regional workshops trained 401 African researchers on a wide range of practical procedures, including DNA extraction, genome sequencing, gene editing, and bioinformatics through hands-on sessions across 11 African countries .
"By decoding Africa's rich biodiversity, we are unlocking solutions tailored to our ecological and economic realities. It is through the power of genomics that Africa can reclaim ownership of its biological heritage, fuel innovation, and build a resilient, self-sufficient bioeconomy."
The vision connecting these initiatives is the recognition that Africa's rich biodiversity—both human and non-human—represents an invaluable resource for addressing global challenges in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
The Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network represents far more than a professional scientific organization—it embodies a transformative movement to ensure Nigeria and Africa more broadly can participate fully in the genomic revolution that is reshaping medicine, agriculture, and our understanding of biology.
By building collaborative platforms, developing local capacity, and engaging with international partners, NBGN is working to close the genomic divide that has long separated Africa from the global scientific mainstream.
Treatments based on African genetic diversity
Agricultural solutions through genomic insights
Protecting species through genetic understanding
Developing African genomic scientists
| Impact Level | Long-term Goals |
|---|---|
| Individual Researchers | Develop world-class Nigerian genomic scientists |
| Institutional Capacity | Establish center(s) of excellence in bioinformatics |
| National Development | Inform evidence-based policies using genomic data |
| Global Scientific Community | Ensure African representation in genomic databases |
The potential benefits are profound: from personalized medical treatments based on African genetic diversity to climate-resilient crops developed through genomic insights and biodiversity conservation informed by deep genetic understanding.
As NBGN continues to grow and evolve, it offers a powerful model for how scientifically emerging nations can build research capacity that is both globally competitive and locally relevant.
The journey has only begun, but the foundation is solid. With its rapidly expanding membership, ongoing conference series, training initiatives, and integration into broader African genomic networks, NBGN is poised to play a pivotal role in unlocking Nigeria's genomic future—one base pair at a time.