Two students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with a student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), have emerged champions at the Genomics Health Hackathon 2025 finals held on May 22, 2025, in Lagos.
The winning team, with their innovation GenRARE Africa , comprises:
- JohnPaul Ebubechukwu Okeke – 500-Level, Department of Petroleum & Gas Engineering, UNILAG,
- Chizoba Ononlemenmen – 500-Level, Department of Systems Engineering, UNILAG, and
- Oluwapelumi Solagbade – 500-Level, College of Health Sciences, OAU
GenRARE Africa is an AI-powered clinical decision support tool designed to revolutionize rare disease diagnosis across Africa. By training on African ancestry genomic data, a dimension largely overlooked by conventional, Western-trained diagnostic systems, the tool delivers more accurate, inclusive, and life-changing healthcare outcomes.
The victory showcases the ingenuity of Nigerian students and reinforces UNILAG’s growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade A. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, on behalf of Senate, staff and students of the institution, congratulates JohnPaul Ebubechukwu Okeke, Chizoba Ononlemenmen and Oluwapelumi Solagbade, and wishes them continued success in their academic and professional journeys.
