The University of Lagos has placed itself at the forefront of Africa’s biotechnology race, hosting a week-long workshop on genome editing that showcased the promise of CRISPR‑Cas9 in tackling sickle cell disease and food shortages.
The hands-on course, run by the university’s Genome Editing Research Group, drew young scientists, policymakers and advocates under the theme “From Lab to Life: CRISPR Promise for Healthcare and Hunger Solutions”. Opening the event, Vice‑Chancellor’s representative Prof. Taiwo Asekun said the workshop underscored the urgency of translating cutting-edge science into practical answers for Nigeria’s challenges. Among the most striking testimonies came from sickle cell advocate Jimi Olaghere, who described his recovery through CRISPR-based clinical trials abroad. “This technology saved my life,” he told participants, urging Nigerian scientists to bring similar therapies home.
International experts joined virtually, unveiling African research roadmaps and new facilities for drug discovery. The week included practical training in gene editing, with participants learning how to design experiments that could one day yield drought-resistant crops or functional cures for genetic disorders. “Genome editing is no longer the future. It is here, and it can change lives in Nigeria,” said Dr Richard Adewole of the Sickle Cell Foundation
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