Creating a world-class genomics centre in Nigeria with ACEGID 

Project overview

Building capacity for Africa’s health and wellbeing

Supported by the World Bank and the US National Institutes of Health’s H3Africa consortium, ACEGID undertakes vital research relating to microbial threats in Africa. It is a key training resource for the next generation of African scientists. With its mission to develop diagnostics and vaccines, ACEGID was instrumental in supporting Nigeria's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing diagnostic testing and sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Project story

Taking ACEGID’s work to the next level

In 2022, we were appointed to provide project and cost management services for the next phase of ACEGID’s growth. We were commissioned to manage the multi-disciplinary delivery team and provide cost and project management services for the expansion of the new facility, ACEGID II, on the Redeemer’s University site. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the new complex will provide an environment for genomics research and training, a teaching campus and allow greater collaboration between African and global healthcare experts.

Benefitting from local expertise

ACEGID II comprises a set of two-storey structures arranged around a courtyard. Primary zones include a teaching and research laboratory, training centre, conference area and lecture hall, plus residential accommodation. In addition to our services, we have applied local knowledge to the facility’s design and construction, including engaging local suppliers and contractors. Critical to the project is the involvement of Dr Christian Happi, Director of ACEGID, who was awarded the Al-Sumait Prize for African Development for his pioneering work in developing solutions to combat infectious diseases.

“ACEGID Genomic Centre Phase II construction is critical to the attainment of our goal of providing high-quality training to the next generation of African researchers in an environment where nature and science perfectly blends.

Turner & Townsend has been consistent in their tenacious coordination of different stakeholders who are responsible for converting the mental picture to a reality.”

Dr Chrisitan Happi
Director
African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases