The Genome Editing Research Group at the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics (CBG), Faculty of Science, University of Lagos (UNILAG) has successfully hosted the second edition of its hands-on genome editing workshop, focused on CRISPR-Cas9 technology. With the theme, “From Lab to Life: CRISPR Promise for Healthcare and Hunger Solutions”, the workshop ran from Monday, July 28 to Friday, August 1, 2025.
Opening Ceremony
Held at the Faculty of Science Boardroom, the five-day workshop commenced with a colourful opening ceremony attended by distinguished academics, stakeholders, and enthusiastic participants. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the immediate-past Dean of Faculty of Science and current Dean, Faculty of Life Science, Prof. Taiwo Asekun, lauded the Genome Editing Research Group’s effort at bringing together young scientists, educators, practitioners, and policy makers to explore real-world applications of technologies like CRISPR-Cas and other genome-editing platforms.
According to the lead facilitator of the workshop, Prof. Joseph Minari, the workshop aimed to equip participants with theoretical understanding and practical skills that will empower them to apply genome editing in their academic research, clinical investigations, and biotechnology innovation.
Keynote Highlights & Thought Leadership
The opening ceremony featured keynote addresses delivered virtually by leading experts in various areas:
- Assistant Professor at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland & Executive Co-Director of TReND in Africa, and Co-Founder of Gene4All, Dr. Thomas Auer, introduced genome editing’s potential for Africa and unveiled the Gene4All roadmap to train scientists, communicators, and regulators.
- Co-Founder of Gene4All, Dr. Vincenzo Di Donato, shared insights on democratising genetic technologies and Africa’s first zebrafish disease modeling facility, showcasing its application in gene reversal and drug discovery.
- Strategic Account Manager at Synthego, Artur Gittos, explored current global trends in CRISPR from a gRNA manufacturing perspective.
Additional addresses were delivered by immediate past Head of Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, UNILAG. Adebayo Ogunkanmi; Director, D.K. Olukoya Central Research Laboratories, Prof. Luqman Adams; representative of the Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Terseer Igbawua; representative of the National Director/CEO, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria), Dr. Richard Adewole, and Jimi Olaghere, sickle cell advocate and Founder, Sugarloaf Capital, who shared his personal journey through CRISPR-based clinical trials that led to a functional cure for the sickle cell disease.
Dr. Richard Adewole eloquently summarized the workshop’s mission: “Genome editing today represents a powerful bridge between scientific innovation and real-world impact.”
He noted that in recent years, gene editing technologies had made remarkable strides.
His words, “The evolution of CRISPR-Cas systems has ushered in a new era of precision medicine. Innovations such as base editing and prime editing now allow scientists to correct single-point mutations without inducing double-stranded breaks, minimizing risks and enhancing safety. These tools are already being applied to treat genetic disorders like sickle cell disease, with patients experiencing long-term therapeutic benefits”.
Practical Knowledge Meets Transformational Research
To engage in hands-on sessions, participants moved to the Cell Biology and Genetics Lab at the Dr. D. K. Olukoya Central Research and Reference Laboratories, UNILAG. These sessions covered areas such as Molecular Cloning, Genomic DNA Extraction, CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing, Gel Electrophoresis to mention a few. Facilitators included respected scientists such as Professor J. B. Minari, Mr. Dada Samuel, Mrs. Olabisi Solaja, Dr. Ugo Okeke, Dr Funke Olugbenga, Ms Eseosa Agho, Mrs Muyiwa Williams, and Ms Abdulganniyu Zainab Ajooe.
With over 50 participants from UNILAG and other institutions across the country, the workshop concluded on a high note with words of appreciation from the outgoing and incoming Heads of Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, UNILAG: Prof. Ogunkanmi and Prof. Taiwo Idowu.
The Genome Editing Research Group and its Vision for the Future
Founded in November 2022, the Genome Editing Research Group at UNILAG, led by Prof. J. B. Minari, is pioneering solutions to genetic disorders and agricultural challenges through cutting-edge research and collaborations.
Using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, the group seeks to develop gene therapies targeting the HBB gene, which is responsible for sickle cell anaemia, promote affordable genomic interventions tailored to African populations, enhance resistance in staple crops, improve drought tolerance and nutritional quality as well as accelerate the breeding of climate-resilient crops.
The group also champions research capacity building through student internships and fellowships and collaborative partnerships with institutions like NAFDAC, Sickle Cell Foundation, and Gene4All.
In the next decade, the Genome Editing Research Group, with the continuous support of TRenD Africa and Gene4All, looks forward to UNILAG becoming a National Centre of Excellence in genome editing, driving innovation in gene therapy, precision diagnostics, and personalised medicine.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Editor: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photographs: Joshua Michael & Ayo Oloyede
