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. 2024 Jun 20:4:1328714.
doi: 10.3389/fbinf.2024.1328714. eCollection 2024.

Bioinformatics proficiency among African students

Ashraf Akintayo Akintola  1   2 , Abdullahi Tunde Aborode  2   3 , Muhammed Taofiq Hamza  2   4 , Augustine Amakiri  2   5 , Benjamin Moore  6 , Suliat Abdulai  2   7 , Oluyinka Ajibola Iyiola  8 , Lateef Adegboyega Sulaimon  2   9 , Effiong Effiong  2   10 , Adedeji Ogunyemi  11 , Boluwatife Dosunmu  12 , Abdulkadir Yusif Maigoro  2   13 , Opeyemi Lawal  14 , Kayode Raheem  2   15 , Ui Wook Hwang  1   16   17
Affiliations

Bioinformatics proficiency among African students

Ashraf Akintayo Akintola et al. Front Bioinform. .

Abstract

Bioinformatics, the interdisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, and data analysis, plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of life sciences. In the African context, where the diversity of biological resources and healthcare challenges is substantial, fostering bioinformatics literacy and proficiency among students is important. This perspective provides an overview of the state of bioinformatics literacy among African students, highlighting the significance, challenges, and potential solutions in addressing this critical educational gap. It proposes various strategies to enhance bioinformatics literacy among African students. These include expanding educational resources, fostering collaboration between institutions, and engaging students in research projects. By addressing the current challenges and implementing comprehensive strategies, African students can harness the power of bioinformatics to contribute to innovative solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation, ultimately advancing the continent's scientific capabilities and improving the quality of life for her people. In conclusion, promoting bioinformatics literacy among African students is imperative for the continent's scientific development and advancing frontiers of biological research.

Keywords: Africa; bioinformatics; literacy; students; training.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors AsA, AbA, MH, AuA, SA, LS, EE, AM, and KR are members of NOBLEKINMAT Ltd. Bioinformatics Research Group. Authors MH was employed by Green Climate Fund. Author AuA was employed by ProCogia. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Responses of participants when asked how happy they were with the (A) Length (B) Modules (C) Balance of presentations, demos, and exercises (D) Quality of presentation, and (E) if they would recommend the workshop to their colleagues.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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