Ogbomoso Biomedical Research Hub Partners Foreign Group

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

 A biomedical research hub in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Helix Biogen Institute, has entered into a partnership with an international collaborator, ANESVAD Foundation, with a view to finding solutions, among other things, to the rising challenges in the scientific world.

The institute, which is currently creating a stir in the biotechnology and life science industries, is managed by a group of outstanding scientists, researchers, and bio-entrepreneur under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, Prof. Julius Kola Oloke, and the current Head of Microbiology Department, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Dr. Oladipo Kolawole.

Kolawole in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan said the Institute was dedicated to advancing ground-breaking innovations in both healthcare and biotech sectors, stating that the collaboration would provide a huge boost to Ogbomoso’s developing startup environment, the state and the country in general.

He said: “This noteworthy development illustrates both Ogbomoso’s rise as a centre for biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the enormous potential of the local startup scene.”

He added that due to the constant pursuit of greatness by the researchers, the Institute was being noticed by international collaborators and investors who are interested in the biomedical progress of ongoing projects at the Institute.

Kolawole disclosed that the Institute had the previous record of COVID-19 candidates’ vaccines already enlisted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with Precious Cornerstone University, Adeleke University, and Trinity Immunoeficient Laboratory in Ogbomoso, among many others.

The university don expressed the optimism that the partnership between the Institute and ANESVAD Foundation would be mutually beneficial.

According to him, “This international contribution will enable Helix Biogen Institute to further up its biomedical research and development operations on point-of-care diagnostic kits development toward Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which has economically impacted the under developed countries.”

Continuing, he explained that: “The relationship with ANESVAD Foundation will make it easier to recruit top individuals and expand cutting-edge laboratory capabilities, thereby contributing to the economic growth of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and Nigeria in general. As a result, the hub will be able to accelerate meaningful partnerships with top universities and related stakeholders to further its creative solutions. Ogbomoso is already firmly established as a thriving biomedical innovation hub, ready to draw more interest and funding.”

Kolawole maintained that the Institute was in a good position to take advantage of the knowledge and contacts of its foreign investors and collaborators as it begins this new chapter.

The hub is well-positioned to succeed even more by cultivating solid relationships and embracing a collaborative attitude. This achievement is advantageous not just to Helix Biogen Institute but also has far-reaching implications for the advancement of biotechnology and healthcare on a global scale,” he added.