The Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, has successfully sequenced the entire human genome for the first time in the country, marking a groundbreaking achievement in African scientific research.
This milestone also positions IGH as the first institution on the continent to utilise Illumina’s NovaSeq™ X Plus sequencer for human genome sequencing.
In a statement published on its website, IGH revealed that the sequencing process was conducted using the NovaSeq™ X Plus, a state-of-the-art machine capable of sequencing more than 20,000 human genomes annually—2.5 times the capacity of its predecessor, the NovaSeq™ 6000.
Despite Africa’s significant genetic diversity, the continent has been underrepresented in genomic research, with less than 2% of human genomes sequenced so far coming from African populations.
“This achievement is a significant milestone for us,” said Christian Happi, Founder and Director of IGH. “It enables us to study the genetic diversity and ancestry of African populations, which are critical to improving health outcomes in the region.”
The successful sequencing of 11 human samples was made possible through IGH’s partnership with Illumina, which began in 2023 with the creation of a genomics training academy at Redeemer’s University.
Gregory Essert, General Manager of Emerging Markets at Illumina, stated the global implications of the project: “This marks a major step in understanding human genetics, particularly the genetic factors influencing diseases in Africa.”
