Redeemer’s varsity don named on TIME100 list of Most Influential People in the World

Professor Christian Happi, a distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics of Infectious Diseases at Redeemer’s University, and the 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.

The recognition places Professor Happi alongside global leaders, scientists, artists, and changemakers shaping the future of the world. Other personalities featured on the 2025 TIME100 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, among many others.

Professor Happi has led pioneering work in infectious disease genomics and 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 national health authorities to successfully contain the outbreak.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he applied 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 contributions have saved lives, informed global public health strategies, and supported the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

As the founding director of the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (formerly ACEGID), Professor Happi has built an institution that redefines the role of genomics on the continent. The Institute supports cutting-edge research, trains African scientists in genomics and bioinformatics, and plays a critical role in strengthening national and regional public health systems. 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 represents both a personal milestone and a moment of pride for IGH, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Nigeria, and academic and research institutions across Africa. It shines a global spotlight on the vital role of African scientists and institutions in addressing some of the world’s most urgent health challenges. It also affirms the value of investing in Africa’s research capacity and scientific leadership.

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“This is a shared achievement,” said Professor 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, while training the next generation of African researchers. With this global recognition, the work of the Institute — and African scientists more broadly — is set to gain even greater visibility and support.

For academic institutions across Africa, this moment marks a shift. It reinforces what many have long known: world-class research can be carried out here, led by African scientists, on African soil, with global impact.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, FFAN, FFFPS, 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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