A team of Nigerian Scientists has discovered a vaccine for COVID-19. The vaccine which is being developed locally in Africa for Africans according to the team will be ready in 18 months.
The team leader, Oladipo Kolawole who is a Specialist in Medical Virology, Immunology, and Bioinformatics, at Adeleke University, Ede disclosed that though the vaccine was developed for Africans, it would also work for other continents when unveiled, the Guardian reported.
The study which led to the discovery of the vaccine enjoyed initial funding of N7.8million by the Trinity Immunodeficient Laboratory and Helix Biogen Consult, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Speaking on the Vaccine, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Prof. Solomon Adebola disclosed that Adeleke university was ready to assist the team in the funding of the research.
“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 noted.
Also speaking on the discovery of the vaccine for COVID-19, the Head, Coordinating Unit of the Research Group and Vice-Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Prof. Julius Oloke maintained that the decision of Nigerian scientists to come together and find a solution to the global pandemic was a good proof of the hardworking nature of Nigerian scientists.
“It’s a pleasure that we have come together to produce a vaccine at a time that the world is in need of solutions to a ravaging pandemic.” Prof Oloke noted
“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 added.
With this feat, Nigeria has join Madagascar who recently launched a cure for COVID 19 called COVID-Organics developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (IMRA) a herbal cure for COVID 19.