The Centre for Human Virology and Genomics (CHVG) at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is a leading institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of viral diseases. As an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory, CHVG is committed to providing high-quality diagnostic services and research in the field of human virology.
Our Mandate
- Conduct research into viral diseases of public health importance, including HIV, hepatitis, and emerging viruses like Lassa fever and Monkeypox.
- Provide diagnostic services for viral diseases, including HIV-1 confirmation, HIV-1 viral load, and early infant diagnosis.
- Develop and validate diagnostic kits for viral diseases
Research Focus Areas
- Viral Surveillance: Research on infections with viral etiology, including characterization of viruses associated with viral hemorrhagic fevers.
- Population Genomics and Cancer: Utilizing molecular and genomic technologies to improve human health.
- Blood Genetics and Transfusion Research: Developing algorithms to improve voluntary blood donation and blood safety
Services
- Molecular diagnostics.
- Serological testing.
- Quality management system training and consultation
Accreditations
- ISO 15189 accreditation
The Centre for Human Virology and Genomics is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of viral diseases, improving diagnostic services, and developing innovative solutions to address public health challenges in Nigeria and beyond.
Contact Information: email: chvg.micro@nimr.gov.ng or apokwuraiwe@nimr.gov.ng
TRAININGS OFFERED AT CHVG
- Quality Management System Training: As a certified and accredited laboratory, CHVG offers to the public several years of both theoretical and practical knowledge and experience gained on Quality Management System (QMS), to different individuals and laboratories who seek to improve their service delivery and become accredited.
| Cost: | ₦200,000 per participant |
| Training duration | Five (5) days |
| Venues: | CHVG Conference room, NIMR |
| Facilitators: | Dr. Azuka Okwuraiwe, Mrs. Morenike Igbinavbiere, Dr. Sam Amoo |
| A Certificate will be issued at the end of the training | |
- Molecular and Genetic Techniques of infectious diseases Training: At our highly equipped and constantly evolving molecular labs, the basics of molecular techniques available (manual and automated) will be covered. This will be supported with practical sessions. The experience will be enriching due to the varied research activities occurring at the laboratory constantly. A tour of NIMR Central laboratory facility (which houses a next generation sequencer) will be conducted.
| Cost: | ₦150,000 per participant |
| Training duration: | Five (5) days (plus another optional 5 days of lab practical) |
| Venues: | CHVG Conference room and the Molecular Laboratory |
| Facilitators: | Dr. Chika Onwuamah, Dr. Sam Amoo, Dr. Azuka Okwuraiwe |
| A Certificate will be issued at the end of the training | |
NOTABLE COMMEMORATION DAYS IN 2025
| WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY | 14th June 2025 |
| WORLD HEPATITIS DAY | 28th July 2025 |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK | 13nd – 17th October 2025 |
| WORLD AIDS DAY | 1st December 2025 |
Meet the Head of Centre
Dr. Azuka Patrick Okwuraiwe is a Senior Research Fellow and Head of Centre for Human Virology and Genomics. He has been involved in several research themes and viral pathogens including human papillomavirus (HPV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), Lassa fever virus amongst others. His research however has focused majorly on the molecular epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, HIV drug resistance and early infant diagnosis of HIV. He has gained a wealth of experience in molecular diagnostics in 18 years on the bench and is also a certified laboratory ISO 15189 quality management system (QMS) auditor. His PhD in Biochemistry focused on the pattern of hepatitis C genotypes in HIV and hepatitis C co-infection.
Dr. Azuka is an African Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Research Development Fellow (RDF), through which he completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Medical Research Council the Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, studying hepatitis B genomics and bioinformatics. He was a cohort four Emory-Nigeria Research Training Program (EN-RTP) Fellow (2023-2024), from an NIH Fogarty D43 Training Grant, and a cohort four trainee of NIMR Foundation’s Grantsmanship and Mentorship programme. He has authored 50 peer-reviewed original articles and supervised to completion, two PhD students from Lead City University, Ibadan Nigeria, and a current PhD from Noida International University India. At present he is applying his acquired grantsmanship skills in carving a niche in hepatitis B virus research, aiming towards elimination through targeted therapy.
Dr. Azuka Patrick Okwuraiwe
Senior Research Fellow & Head
NOTE: At the field name of service, please select “HVL Income” instead of “OI income” stated on the guide. This is crucial else you will not see the tests you want to pay for. Use the prices in the Clients handbook to fill in the unit cost per test you select. The total amount payable will then be automatically generated. You can then procedure to fill the remaining fields, and following the prompts to pay online using your bank card or generate an RRR code to use to pay cash at any bank.
Subsequently, download and filled our test request form and ship the sample to our facility with copy of the payment receipt and the filled request form.
STAFF LIST AND DESIGNATION
| S/N | NAME | DESIGNATION |
| 1. | Prof. (Mrs.) Rosemary A. Audu | Director of Research |
| 2. | Dr. Chika K. Onwuamah | Deputy Director of Research |
| 3. | Dr. Azuka P. Okwuraiwe | Senior Research Fellow (HOC) |
| 4. | Dr. Olufemi S. Amoo | Research Fellow I |
| 5. | Dr. Fehintola A. Ige | Research Fellow I |
| 6 | Dr. Joseph O. Shaibu | Research Fellow I |
| 7. | Mrs. Mabel O. Uwandu | Junior Research Fellow |
| 8. | Ms. Fatimah Anwoju | Junior Research Fellow |
| 9. | Mrs. Leona C. Okoli | Chief Medical Lab. Technologist |
| 10. | Mr. Ebenezer O. Odewale | Chief Medical Lab. Scientist |
| 11. | Mrs. Rashidat M. Omoloye | Chief Science Lab. Technologist |
| 12. | Mrs. Morenike A. Igbinavbiere | Chief Science Lab. Technologist |
| 13. | Mrs. Chinasa C. Onyeitu | Chief Science Lab. Technologist |
| 14. | Mr. Osaga O. Oforomeh | Asst. Chief System Analyst |
| 15. | Mr. Lawrence Ekoja | Senior Executive Officer (Accounts) |
| 16. | Mrs. Roseline O. Alesinloye | Chief Executive Officer |
| 17. | Mrs. Obioma G. Iyke-Azike | Principal Admin. Officer |
| 18. | Mr. Prince U. Atat | Executive Officer |
| 19. | Mr. Boniface Ajenu | Chief Motor Driver/Mechanic I |