First Whole Human Genome Sequenced on Nigerian Soil

Illumina congratulates the Institute of Genomics and Health- Formerly known as African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) at Redeemer’s University, for successful sequencing an entire human genome for the first time on Nigerian soil.

This momentous milestone comes at the time of the official opening of the Genomics and Bioinformatics training Academy within ACEGID at Redeemer’s University. This facility will significantly increase the supply of qualified technical workforce for next-generation sequencing wet lab management, bioinformatics, big data analytics and advanced artificial intelligence/machine learning applications.

Despite Africa being the birthplace of humanity and harbouring immense genetic diversity, less than 2% of human genomes analyzed so far have been from African people¹

Using Illumina’s NovaSeq^TM X Plus sequencer, more than 20,000 whole genomes can be sequenced each year. This is 2.5 times the throughput of NovaSeq^TM 6000 making projects like this one possible.

“Successfully sequencing a whole human genome at The Institute of Genomics and Health is a significant milestone as from here we will be able to grow our understanding of genetic diversity and ancestry of African populations which is currently underrepresented in genomic research,” said Dr Happi, Director of the Institute of Genomics and Health

The Institute of Genomics and Health has successfully sequenced 11 human samples on the Novaseq X plus and analysed them on the Illumina DRAGEN secondary analysis platform. All samples passed the threshold for a high quality human whole genome equivalent.

Including diverse African populations, can create inclusive and relevant scientific knowledge which challenges potential historical bias in medical research.

“This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant step forward in our understanding of genetic diversity and ancestry of African populations and human genetics in general,” said Gregory Essert, Illumina’s General Manager of Emerging Markets.

The Institute of Genomics and Health and Illumina entered a partnership agreement to establish a genomics training academy at Redeemer’s University in 2003. The delivery of the first Illumina NovaSeq^TM X Plus in Africa to The Institute of Genomics and Health last year was an important milestone to embedding genomics capability within Africa.

“Sequencing capacity developed at The Institute of Genomics and Health opens doors to personalized medicine, targeted therapies, and disease prevention. It empowers our local scientists to study genetic factors related to diseases prevalent in African populations,” Dr Happi said.

The Institute of Genomics and Health is a global hub of Excellence for genomic research, and it is leading the way in using genomics to improve public health in Africa. The procurement of the NovaSeq X Plus by The Institute of Genomics and Health is a testament to the centre’s commitment to scientific innovation and changing the narratives about science in Africa. Genomics is rapidly transforming the way we diagnose and treat diseases, and it has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in the continent.

References:
¹ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666979X23000381