The Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia (FUTHLafia), has set up a Vaccine Research Centre to help Nigeria reduce its heavy reliance on imported vaccines and to strengthen Africa’s fight against infectious diseases.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Ikrama Hassan, told reporters on Monday that the new centre is focused on developing local vaccines for illnesses such as Lassa fever, yellow fever, and other serious health threats.
“This is not just science; it is about independence,” Hassan said. “When outbreaks keep happening in your community, you cannot always depend on imported solutions. You must build your own capacity through research, innovation, and local vaccine production.”
He explained that the idea for the centre was first introduced in 2019 but was delayed due to bureaucracy and lack of funds. The plan came to life in 2025, after the hospital organized a Vaccine Research Retreat in Abuja to create a clear roadmap for self-sufficiency.
The centre will work with Innovative Biotech, Abuja, and is preparing to collaborate with the Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET), Sokoto. Its first major project will be to create a vaccine specifically for Lassa fever.
“The type of Lassa fever we see in Nigeria is not the same as in Sierra Leone or Liberia,” Hassan said. “Developing our own vaccine means we can target the strains we face here, making it more effective for our people.”
He also revealed that FUTHLafia, together with the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), will launch a Master of Vaccinology programme to train young African scientists.
“This will help us keep our talents here instead of losing them to other countries,” he noted.
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), less than one per cent of vaccines used in Africa are produced locally. The Africa CDC has set a target for the continent to produce 60 per cent of its vaccines by 2040.
Hassan expressed confidence that FUTHLafia will play a strong role in achieving that target.
“I was born here and I know the pain preventable diseases cause in our families,” he said. “This centre is more than a hospital project—it is a promise to my people and my country.”
Dr. Simon Agwale, Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Biotech, described the centre as a major breakthrough.
“In Nigeria, we lack institutions that can generate the early data needed for vaccine development,” Agwale said. “Without this, we will always depend on others. This centre is a step toward vaccine independence.”
Prof. Mustapha Imam, a molecular biologist at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, said the project will boost Africa’s ability to respond to health emergencies.
“Diseases do not respect borders. Nigeria and Africa carry a heavy burden from both old and new infections,” he said. “This centre is a bold move that will change the story not only for Nigeria, but for Africa and the world.”
Dr. Abdulmumini Lawal, a molecular biologist at FULAFIA and part of the project, said the initiative matches the African Union’s target of 60 per cent vaccine self-sufficiency by 2040.
“This centre will create vaccines that meet Africa’s unique health needs, reduce dependence on imports, and make Nigeria a leader in biomedical innovation,” Lawal said.
Dr. Mahmud Dalhat, an epidemiologist at the Kaduna Centres for Disease Control, agreed that vaccines remain the most powerful tool against epidemics.
“The Lafia Vaccine Research Centre will help achieve the United Nations’ goal of ensuring safe and affordable vaccines for all,” he said in a phone interview.
Prof. Nasir Yusuf, a public health policy expert from Ahmadu Bello University, described the centre as vital to Nigeria’s security.
“The Lafia centre is a step toward Nigeria controlling its own immunization future,” he said. “This is not just about saving lives—it is also about economic and intellectual independence.”
Despite the excitement, Hassan admitted the project faces challenges such as limited funding, brain drain, and slow regulatory approvals.
“We know there will be obstacles,” he said. “But every delay in starting is another year of risk for our people. That is why we must begin, even if we grow step by step.”
