Nigerian scientists announce breakthrough in COVID-19 vaccine research, production

Per Second NewsJune 20, 20202 Mins read703

A breakthrough has been.announced by Nigerian Universities Scientists of a vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic.

The doctors under the aegis of COVID-19 Research Group disclosed that the vaccine was being developed locally “in Africa for Africans.”

Dr Oladipo Kolawole, the Leader of the team and specialist in Medical Virology, Immunology and Bioinformatics, at Adeleke University, Ede in Osun State, told a news conference at the university that the vaccine would be ready in

18 months.

“The vaccine will be unveiled to the public within a minimum of 18 months.”

PerSecondnews recalls that Prof. Maurice Iwu had in early this year announced that he had produced a drug for Coronavirus.

It has since been undergoing clinical trial in U.S.

He said although it is being produced for Africans it would also work for other continents when unveiled.

According to him, the study which led to the discovery of the vaccine enjoyed initial funding by the Trinity Immunodeficient Laboratory and Helix Biogen Consult, Ogbomosho, to the tune of N7.8 million.Kolawole said the group had been working extensively by exploring the SARS-CoV-2 genome from African countries to select the best possible potential vaccine candidates.

He said after trying out some selected processes of vaccine development, the researchers had been able to choose the best potential vaccine candidates for the SARS-CoV-2 and had made the possible latent vaccine constructs.

The don explained that a lot of analysis and studies as well as approvals by medical authorities were still required.

Also, Prof. Solomon Adebola, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, said the university was poised to assist in the funding of the research for the vaccine.

“We are glad that a vaccine that will provide a solution to a global problem like Coronavirus pandemic is coming from the garden.

“It is our passion to be a solution provider to such a global pandemic, and we are ready to throw our weights behind the team and make the vaccine a reality,” Adebola said.

Commenting, Prof. Julius Oloke, the Head, Coordinating Unit of the Research Group and Vice-Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, said the vaccine was real.

“It is a pleasure that we have come together to produce a vaccine at a time that the world is in need of solution to a ravaging pandemic.

“It’s a proof that we are working and not folding our hands or looking away from the problem.

“The vaccine is real. We have validated it severally. It is targeted at Africans, but will also work for other races.

“It will work. It cannot be faked. This is a result of the determination. It took a lot of scientific efforts.

“The population of those that need vaccines is more than those that need drugs. That is why the research focussed on a vaccine,” he also told the news conference.