The President, Nigerian Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (NSBMB), Prof. Matthew Wegwu, has emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to transition from a consumer of vaccines to a global leader in vaccine research and innovation.
Wegwu, who acknowledged the critical role vaccines have played in safeguarding human lives for centuries, reiterated the need for Nigeria to embrace innovation and actively contribute to the scientific community.
He was speaking at the one-day symposium organised by NSBMB, which was held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) headquarters in Abuja.
The symposium, themed: “Shaping the Future of Global Health Through Vaccine Research and Innovation,” aimed to discuss the urgent need for improved vaccine access and local research in Nigeria.
“Vaccines have been instrumental in protecting against over 20 deadly diseases, from pneumonia and cervical cancer to Ebola and, most recently, COVID-19, and their application has led to a remarkable decline in global mortality rates by more than 50%.” the president said.
He added that the society was making plans to establish a state-of-the-art research and development hub in Abuja.
“This multi-functional complex will serve as a centre for groundbreaking biomedical research, propelling Nigeria to the forefront of scientific innovation,” the president stated.
On her part, member of the House of Representative, representing Gboko/Tarka federal constituency of Benue state, Hon. Mrs. Regina Akume, called on Nigerian biochemists and biologists to lead in developing homegrown solutions.
Regina stated that Nigeria cannot always rely on test kits from America, Britain, or China as it is time to innovate locally to counteract the influx of fake drugs and beverages endangering lives.
Represented by Roselyn Aka, the lawmaker said the power of vaccines in eradicating diseases like smallpox, polio, and COVID-19, stressing the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure to ensure no child is left unprotected, especially with the dwindling foreign aid for free vaccines and medication,
She underscored that even with health being a fundamental human right, millions in under-served areas still battle preventable diseases due to limited access, lack of awareness, and resource constraints.
Earlier in his opening address, NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, stated the critical role of vaccines in preventing and controlling both communicable and non-communicable diseases, environmental health, and maternal and child health, highlighting the importance of continuous research and innovation.
"As new vaccines continue to be developed, it is essential to prioritise accessibility, safety, effectiveness, cost efficiency, and equitable distribution," he said.
Peters acknowledged the organisers stating that this sort of symposiums are important as it provides a vital platform for discussions on how to overcome challenges and ensure vaccines reach those who need them the most.
The Vice-Chancellor further assured participants of NOUN’s unwavering support for initiatives that promote global health advancements.
He commended the organisers for recognisng the life-saving potential of vaccines and pledged the university’s continued collaboration in fostering groundbreaking research and policy engagement.
The Keynote speaker, who is the Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, represented by Dr. Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, stated the importance of capacity building in Nigeria, advocating for local vaccine production to reduce reliance on global supply chains.
"Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in public health, saving millions of lives annually. However, the future demands more than traditional approaches, as innovation, precision, and sustainability are key to addressing evolving health challenges," she noted.
Ajenifujah-Solebo highlighted the transformative role of genomics and bioinformatics in modern vaccine development, stressing that these advanced technologies allow for precision vaccine design, improved disease tracking, and faster response to emerging health threats.
"The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of relying on external sources for vaccines, so Nigeria must invest in local production facilities, research, and partnerships to ensure a self-reliant future in vaccine development," she added.
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