How Olufemi Olulaja Is Leading Africa’s Genomic Fight Against Disease

By Atinuke Olowede

In the turbulent early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, while panic swept across nations and systems strained under pressure, one man was helping to steer Nigeria through the storm. Dr. Olufemi Nicholas Olulaja, a Lead Research Physician at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), emerged as a key figure in the country’s public health response, combining science, strategy, and quiet resolve.

“The pandemic was an unprecedented time for everyone globally, but especially for us in Lagos—a city of over 25 million people,” Dr. Olulaja recalls. “I was privileged to lead the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Team in Lagos State, coordinating a massive public health response across diverse communities.”

It was a daunting task. Rapidly evolving data, limited resources, and the sheer scale of Lagos meant the margin for error was slim. But under Dr. Olulaja’s leadership, the team adapted quickly, building systems that could trace, triage, and respond in real time. “The pressure was enormous, but so was the commitment of our teams. We made significant progress in slowing the spread, and I’m proud that our efforts earned international recognition.”

Behind this success was a series of key reforms to Nigeria’s emergency response infrastructure. “We focused on strengthening surveillance and resource management,” he explains. “Triage systems had to be fast, accurate, and community-focused.” A cornerstone of his strategy was data integration—ensuring that information systems were talking to each other and that frontline responders were equipped with the tools and training they needed. “We also retrained contact tracers and optimized our logistics. These changes allowed us to act swiftly when new clusters emerged.”

But Dr. Olulaja’s commitment to science long predates the pandemic. At ACEGID, he has been instrumental in harnessing genomics to understand infectious diseases, with a particular focus on participant recruitment and biospecimen collection—critical components in pathogen sequencing and surveillance. “This work is essential for understanding pathogen evolution and informing public health strategies,” he says.

His efforts have also helped forge strong international collaborations. “I facilitated collaborations with institutions like Harvard University and the Broad Institute, which enriched our research capacity,” he notes. These partnerships have not only elevated the centre’s work but also spotlighted Africa’s growing influence in global health research.

One of his proudest achievements lies in a less publicized but equally vital area: acute febrile illness surveillance. “Surveillance of acute febrile illness was crucial, especially in regions where diseases like Lassa fever and malaria are prevalent,” he explains. “Our team’s strategic surveillance led to enhanced detection and response systems.” That work garnered renewed funding from major global partners, including the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the Henry Jackson Foundation, a nod to the credibility and impact of African-led research efforts.

Yet, despite these strides, misconceptions persist. “The biggest misconception is that we’re behind,” Dr. Olulaja says firmly. “The truth is, Africa has some of the most brilliant minds in science. The challenge has always been infrastructure and investment. Institutions like ACEGID are changing that narrative—we’re showing that high-quality research and international collaborations can and do happen here. African scientists are not just contributors; we’re leaders in global health conversations.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Olulaja is optimistic—but not complacent. His vision is clear: “I envision a future where genomics becomes a core part of our healthcare systems. Early disease detection, personalized medicine, and rapid outbreak responses should not be privileges—they should be accessible.” With the right mix of investment, partnerships, and capacity-building, he believes Nigeria can lead the continent in this field.

What drives him, ultimately, is impact. “Knowing that the work we do saves lives and shapes public health policies gives me purpose. Science is not just about the lab—it’s about people. Every breakthrough means a healthier future for our communities, and that’s what keeps me committed.”

In a world still grappling with the aftershocks of a global pandemic, leaders like Dr. Olufemi Olulaja remind us that resilience, when paired with science and purpose, can shape a more prepared and healthier future for all.