Institute Of Genomics And Global Health Unveils Virtual Labs At Africa’s First Genomics Hackaton

.. Says it will help bridge the gap between learning in rich schools and schools with low resources

The Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) unveiled virtual labs at the Africa’s first genomics hackaton organised by the Institute on Friday, 22nd August, 2025 at the Redeemer’s University, Ede.

The event marked the culmination of three weeks of intensive innovation, as twenty finalists showcased their virtual simulations of complex genomic laboratory procedures.

Speaking about the event, the Director of IGH, Professor Christian Happi said, “the idea was to bring bright minds together and to use this opportunity to create innovation and explore new ideas”. He went further, “I am very proud of the work you have done over the past few weeks.’ He then admonished them to their work to drive progress in the society.

The projects, which ranged from gel electrophoresis, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to sequencing on the illumina platform, enabled the participants to create immersive extended reality (XR) experiences that demystify the steps involved in genomic sequencing.

Adedayo Okunfolami, IGH’s Chief Information Technology and Innovation Officer said the hackers would be mentored and given necessary exposure “so that the simulations they developed would not just end as hackathon projects”.

Professor Happi added that though this was the first of the series of hackathons the Institute planned to organise, it would become a global event going forward.

According to the organisers, with technologies líke XR, students and young scientists can now experience the laboratory without entering the laboratory, handle equipment and execute procedures virtually and help bridge the gap between learning in rich schools and schools with low resources, leading to comparable student understanding.

E-signed
IGH, Redeemer’s University, Ede.
23rd August, 2025