Nigerian Universities’ Scientists, under the aegis of COVID-19
Research Group, on Friday announced the discovery of a vaccine
for the prevention of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Addressing a news conference on Friday at Adeleke University,
Ede, in Osun, Dr Oladipo Kolawole, Leader of the team, said the
vaccine was being developed locally in Africa for Africans.
Kolawole , a Specialist in Medical Virology, Immunology and
Bioinformatics, at Adeleke University, Ede, however, said the
vaccine would also work for other continents when unveiled.
He said the study, which led to the discovery of the vaccine, had
enjoyed initial funding by the Trinity Immunodeficient Laboratory
and Helix Biogen Consult, Ogbomosho, to the tune of about 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.
On how soon the unnamed vaccine would be unveiled to the
public, Kolawole said that it would take a minimum of 18 months.
According to him, this is because 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 with a view to bringing the vaccine to limelight.
“ We are glad that a vaccine that will provide 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.
He said, “It’s 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 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 vaccine.”


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