A Professor of Human Genetics and Bioinformatics, Idowu Taiwo, has called on governments to establish genetic centres for pre-marital and marital counselling in many parts of Nigeria.
“In one of our population genetic studies, the frequency of carriers of sickle cell genotype is 25 per cent among the Yoruba in Lagos State.
“The result revealed the importance of a rigorous awareness campaigns and proper genetic counselling regarding sickle cell disorder in Nigeria,” Taiwo, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, said.
The professor, who teaches at the university’s Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, made the call at the 18th Inaugural Lecture of the university on Wednesday.
The inaugural lecture had the theme: “Principalities and Powers or the Gene: Which is to Blame”.
He said that intending couples would need to be aware of their odds of giving birth to a baby affected by a genetic condition.
“An informed couple is a better prepared couple.
“Government should legislate for a compulsory newborn screening programmes to ensure that doctors test for not less than 10 genetic disorders when every baby is born.
“Many of the genetic conditions, if detected early, can be prevented or ameliorated,” Taiwo said.
According to him, genes are the units of inheritance located in chromosomes.
“Genes and chromosomes are made of DNA; so, a mutation of changes that adversely affects DNA may result in severe genetic disorder or even untimely death.
“Every individual including identical twins, has a unique DNA identity.
“This attribute of DNA explains its usefulness in paternity testing, personal identification and criminal justice system,” Taiwo added.
He emphasised that the quality of life of a child regarding health and susceptibility to genetic diseases was determined largely by the genetic quality of the mother’s egg and the father’s fertilising sperm cell.
“The genesis of adult onset chronic diseases originated through fetal adaptations to undernourishment.
“Genetic diseases can be broadly classified into two main groups, namely; chromosomes and genic,” he said.
He noted that genetic diseases were not curable except by gene manipulation such as genetic engineering and genome editing.
“The majority of genetic conditions that are wrongly attributed to evil forces are actually due to genetic abnormalities.
“Out of ignorance, people usually visit the wrong places instead of seeking proper genetic and medical attention.
“Chances of survival worsen with increasing delay in seeking appropriate attention,” he said.
Taiwo urged that a course in forensic DNA should be made compulsory for law students.
“Forensic DNA evidence is taking a centre stage in personal identification and criminal legal system of many advanced countries,” he said. (NAN)
