The Redeemer’s University don, Christian Happi, a distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics of Infectious Diseases and also founding Director of the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH), has been named on the 2025 TIME100 list, TIME magazine’s annual ranking of the world’s most influential people. This recognition places Prof Happi alongside global leaders, scientists, artists, and changemakers shaping the world’s future.
Other personalities named on the 2025 Time 100 list include Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Serena Williams, J.D. Vance, Muhammad Yunus, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Duma Boko, Mo Abudu, Simone Biles, Mark Zuckerberg, Snoop Dogg, Kwame Onwuachi, and many others.
He has led pioneering work in infectious disease genomics innovations for real-time outbreak response in Africa for over a decade. In 2014, he confirmed the first case of Ebola in Nigeria and worked closely with Nigerian health authorities to successfully contain the outbreak.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he used next-generation sequencing technology to perform the first sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Africa within 48 hours of receiving the sample. His work has saved lives, informed global public health strategies, and contributed to developing diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
As the founding director of the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (formerly ACEGID), Prof Happi has built an institute that redefines the role of genomics on the continent. The Institute supports cutting-edge research, trains African scientists in genomics and bioinformatics, and critically supports national and regional public health systems.
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For him, the goal has always been to equip African scientists with the tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to global health. This TIME100 recognition is a personal milestone and a moment of pride for IGH, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Nigeria, and academic and research institutions across the African continent. It shines a global spotlight on African scientists and institutions’ vital role in addressing some of the world’s most urgent health challenges. It also affirms investing in Africa’s research capacity and scientific leadership.
“This is a shared achievement,” said Prof Happi. “It reflects the power of collaboration, the dedication of our team, and the strength of African science. Our work at IGH ensures that African solutions are part of global conversations.” IGH continues to lead in real-time pathogen genomics, One Health research, and human genomics, and it is training the next generation of African researchers. With this global recognition, the Institute’s work, and the work of African scientists more broadly, is set to gain even greater visibility and support.
For academic institutions across Africa, this moment signals a shift. It reinforces what many have long known: world-class research can be done here, led by African scientists, on African soil, with global impact.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, congratulated Professor Happi on attaining global preeminence in the Time100 list of most influential people on the planet. He noted that the recognition is not just a reward but an indicator that his work has gained global acceptance.
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