Assessment of Genetic Data Management Practices in Biobanks Affiliated with Nigerian Universities

Biobanks are critical infrastructure for genomic research, yet their governance, ethical frameworks, and data management practices in Nigerian universities are insufficiently documented. As the volume of genomic research in Nigeria expands, standardised biobank governance becomes imperative. This study assessed genetic data management practices in university-affiliated biobanks in South West and South East Nigeria. A multi-site audit was conducted at six university-affiliated biobanks, including institutions in Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, and Awka. Data were collected through document review of data governance policies, technical inspection of sample storage and cataloguing systems, and semi-structured interviews with 24 biobank managers and research ethics committee members. Key indicators assessed included informed consent documentation, sample traceability, de-identification procedures, data access control, and compliance with the Nigerian Code of Health Research Ethics. The majority of biobanks lacked formal governance charters specific to genetic data. Consent forms did not address secondary data use or cross-border data transfer. Sample tracking systems were predominantly paper-based, introducing transcription risk. These findings advocate for a national biobank regulatory framework and institution-specific genetic data governance policies across Nigerian universities. Keywords: biobank, genetic data management, research ethics, Nigerian universities, governance