The Managing Director of DNA-Harley and Rainbow Specialised Laboratory, Dr. Ademolu Owoyele, has advocated for the implementation of mandatory DNA paternity testing as part of Nigeria’s birth registration process.
According to the PUNCH on Tuesday, Dr. Owoyele highlighted the rising demand for paternity tests in the country, revealing that nearly half of Nigerian men tested—47%—discover they are not the biological fathers of the children they believed to be theirs.
“It is important to note that for these people to come, there was already some form of doubt, so there is some statistical bias,” Dr. Owoyele explained. “People come to us due to uncertainties in their family lives, whether for emotional reasons, child support issues, or simply to confirm biological ties.
Dr. Owoyele detailed the paternity testing process, stating that DNA samples are typically collected through a painless buccal (cheek) swab from both the father and the child. Other methods, such as blood samples, hair, or nail clippings, are less common but can also be used.
“The samples are sent to the laboratory, where DNA is extracted and compared. Gone are the days when results took four weeks or more due to outsourcing abroad. Our clients now receive results within seven working days, often even sooner,” he said.
Dr. Owoyele noted that research into the firstborn children of many families would likely reveal that a significant percentage fail paternity tests. He attributed this trend to infidelity, often occurring close to marriage dates.
“The Yoruba adage that says it’s the woman that knows the father of the child is not always true,” he remarked. “In many cases, we have seen women conduct tests on three different men before identifying the biological father.”
While paternity testing traditionally focuses on the father and child, Dr. Owoyele emphasized the importance of including the mother in the process.
He explained that the mother’s DNA provides clearer and more accurate results, although the test can be completed without her sample.
Dr. Owoyele’s call for mandatory DNA testing at birth comes amid growing concerns about paternity fraud and its emotional and financial implications. Advocates argue that implementing such a policy could reduce disputes and bring transparency to family structures.