UNILAG unveils Bioinformatics, Computational Biology Hub to power Nigeria’s research drive

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has unveiled a new Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Learning Hub, marking a step towards strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for cutting-edge research and positioning Nigerian researchers to compete on the global science stage.

Folasade Ogunsola, the vice-chancellor at UNILAG, speaking at the unveiling of ‘The Prof. Bolanle Oboh Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Learning Hub’ on Tuesday, challenged the audience to emulate the exemplary generosity of the donor.

“I think the lesson for all of us is that if you’re truly thinking of solving a problem, start, and be ready to invest yourself in it.

“If it’s a good one, people will join, but you cannot be standing still and expect to be helped,” she said.

Ogunsola emphasised that the University of Lagos is determined to be a solution provider. “We have the faculty, the students, and we’re beginning to have the resources. We have learned that we cannot do it alone, and we are partnering both locally and internationally,” she explained.

The vice-chancellor thanked all the donors, especially Bola Oboh, a former deputy vice-chancellor at UNILAG, who she described as a role model to many others by championing the project.

Ganiyu Oyetibo, the dean of the faculty of Life Sciences, University of Lagos, in his speech, noted that for the past two decades, there have been transformations in life sciences beyond recognition, hence the need for such a hub.

“In the course of sequencing, a new one has emerged. Massive data sets are now generated, and we’re in a place where big data has taken the challenge of the past. Biological information flows in volumes unimaginable to researchers.

“However, these data cannot be processed. Data must be interpreted, analysed, and be understood. This requires tools, algorithms, and most importantly, people who can bridge the gap between the raw language of molecules and the meaningful pattern that lies within,” he said.

Moreover, Oyetibo highlighted some of the benefits of having such a hub, which includes integration, driving cutting-edge research, boost for academia and students, and workforce readiness, among others.

“This hub stands for functional capacity of the house within this world. Our high-performance computer system, data storage, secure analytical environments represent a serious and lasting investment in our physical process, and interrogate the data that modern biological systems need.

“From the basic language of computer, dabbing in dabbing out. The true art of this facility is the community of researchers, post-doctoral, fellows, doctoral students, technical staff, who will work here,” he said.

Bola Oboh, who championed the project said she was inspired by the desire to give back to the university, and following the vice-chancellor’s vision, she wanted something that will boost the students’ future ready drive.

“This project became very dear to my heart, because in the field of life sciences and biology and ecological sciences, without these aspects, our students are not really in the job.

“We teach these courses, but there’s no answer.  Some students are exposed to it further on in their projects, and then they begin to look for systems to be able to analyse in that data set they have,” she emphasised.

She said this made her feel Nigerian students are left out because in most of the courses, most of the students miss out in the real value of innovation, which what makes the difference.

She expressed her desire to see the hub grow and produce Noble Prize winners in research and sciences.

“I really want this place to grow and be able to produce the next set of researchers that will make impact in this country,” she said.

Oboh applauded her husband and the entire family, and friends who supported her to make her dream a reality, and emphasised that there are still works to be done, especially in ensuring the sustainability of the hub.