The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has advocated for enhanced financial backing toward genomic research, characterizing it as an indispensable step for upgrading [ healthcare ](https://tribuneonlineng.com/okpebholo-takes-healthcare-to-grassroots-breaks- ground-for-iguobazuwa-hospital/) delivery, preventing hereditary illnesses, and mitigating the prevalence of undiagnosed medical issues across the country.
During the organization's 2026 Annual Scientific Conference held in Lagos on Friday, Foundation President Professor Oladapo Ashiru stated that financial commitment to genomic medicine is an immediate necessity rather than an optional luxury for fortifying the national health sector.
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the event, Ashiru, an esteemed consultant endocrinologist, pointed out that genomic investigations can yield substantial economic and clinical returns. He noted that economic projections suggest every single dollar directed toward genomic data collection and study could potentially produce nearly $140 in economic value.
What are the main barriers to genomic medicine in Nigeria?
Ashiru pointed to inconsistent and insufficient domestic financing as the primary hindrance to progress in this scientific branch, rather than any shortage of qualified personnel. According to him, numerous professionals have acquired advanced training abroad, with some participating in global studies before returning to impart knowledge locally.
He highlighted local contributions to genomic investigations concerning conditions like cleft palate, alongside genetic screening methods utilized to detect abnormalities prior to childbirth. Ashiru explained that modern human genome mapping enables a transition from broad, generalized treatments to precision medicine tailored to individual genetic blueprints.
How does genetics impact reproductive health and disease management?
In the realm of reproductive genetics, medical practitioners can screen embryos for specific inherited ailments, such as sickle cell disease, before implantation. This practice helps households minimize the likelihood of transmitting hereditary conditions to upcoming generations.
Despite notable strides, Ashiru expressed concern that advanced genomic studies in the country still heavily rely on partnerships with foreign institutions located in the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom. He maintained that the nation has cultivated adequate scientific competence to establish independent and sustainable clinical research frameworks.
Drawing a comparison, Ashiru referenced Thailand's creation of a dedicated Centre for Genomic Diseases as a model of the political and institutional commitment required. He urged the federal government to pursue a comparable strategy, noting that current estimates suggest only about two percent of genomic conditions within the country have been successfully identified.
What did international experts emphasize at the conference?
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Azeez Butali from the University of Iowa observed that genomic medicine serves to bridge global healthcare divides and alleviate human suffering. Speaking on "The Joy of the Human Genome: Discovery to Clinical Care," Butali underscored that researchers have only skimmed the surface of human genetic potential.
Professor Nik Kantaputra from Chiang Mai University similarly noted that dental and bone irregularities frequently serve as early warning signs for underlying genetic abnormalities and systemic health risks, such as colon cancer. Both scholars urged Nigerian authorities to foster collaborative molecular genetics projects to uncover the root causes of domestic health challenges.