Top 10 Health Discoveries by Nigerian Scientists

Nigerian scientists have led some of the most impactful health research breakthroughs in Africa, placing Nigeria on the map for scientific innovation. 

From viral genome sequencing to homegrown COVID-19 diagnostics and vaccine development, these discoveries have not only saved lives but also positioned Nigeria as a rising force in global health science.

Here are the top 10 medical innovations and scientific achievements led by Nigerian researchers between 2015 and 2025:

1. Real-Time Lassa Virus Genome Sequencing: Faster Outbreak Response in Nigeria

In 2018, researchers at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) successfully sequenced the Lassa fever virus genome within days of collecting samples. This real-time sequencing capability allowed for quick identification of the virus strain and helped health officials rapidly track and contain outbreaks. It marked a turning point in how Nigeria responds to viral epidemics.

2. Development of a Pan-Lassa Fever Rapid Diagnostic Test with High Accuracy

Also in response to the 2018 outbreak, Nigerian scientists validated a point-of-care Lassa fever test that detects all known strains of the virus. With over 90% accuracy, this field-ready tool made it easier for rural clinics to confirm cases early, improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality.

3. Launch of a 10-Minute Lassa Test Kit for Rural Health Centers in Nigeria

In 2016, ACEGID developed a lateral-flow diagnostic kit capable of delivering clear results in under 10 minutes. This innovation provided low-resource communities with a fast, reliable, and affordable way to detect Lassa fever, helping to prevent outbreaks before they spread.

4. Nigeria Publishes Africa’s First Complete COVID-19 Genome During Pandemic

In March 2020, a Nigerian team was the first in Africa to publish the complete genome sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, helping with the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines and supporting global efforts in virus tracking and research. This milestone proved the country’s growing genomic capabilities.

5. Discovery of New Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) Genome in West Africa

In 2021, Nigerian virologists made history by identifying and sequencing the first RHDV strain in Sub-Saharan Africa using metagenomic analysis. This discovery deepened scientific understanding of zoonotic diseases those that can jump from animals to humans and boosted Nigeria’s credentials in wildlife pathogen surveillance.

6. Sentinel: Nigeria’s First Real-Time Pandemic Early-Warning System for Viral Threats

Launched in 2021 by scientists at Redeemer’s University, Sentinel is a pandemic early-warning system that combines field diagnostics, mobile data reporting, and genomic surveillance. It’s designed to detect threats like Lassa fever, Ebola, and COVID-19 before they spread, giving Nigeria a tool to protect millions.

7. Nigeria Begins First Human Trials for CEPI-Funded Lassa Fever Vaccine

In 2024, Nigeria made another leap forward by conducting Phase II clinical trials of a single-dose Lassa fever vaccine at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo. The trials, coordinated with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), showed strong safety and immune response in Nigerian volunteers paving the way for mass prevention efforts.

8. Application of CRISPR-Based SHERLOCK and HUDSON Tools for Viral Detection

In 2019, Nigerian scientists helped test and validate the use of CRISPR-based gene editing for virus detection. These tools can detect Lassa and Ebola RNA from blood samples in under an hour without requiring lab infrastructure. It’s a game-changer for diagnostics in rural Africa.

9. Production of Locally-Made COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits Meeting WHO Standards

Facing global shortages during the pandemic, Nigerian researchers designed and manufactured rapid COVID-19 antigen test kits locally. These tests met World Health Organization (WHO) performance standards and significantly reduced Nigeria’s dependency on imported medical supplies.

10. National Genomic Surveillance Program to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance in Nigeria

Since 2022, the CAMRA initiative has allowed Nigerian scientists to track and analyze bacterial resistance genes in real time through genomic sequencing. This program is vital in tackling antibiotic resistance in Nigerian hospitals and shaping better national treatment policies.