Animal Research Ethics

Overview

The Biomedical Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) is committed to the highest ethical, scientific, and legal standards in the use of animals for research, teaching, and training. All animal-based activities conducted under BioRTC are governed by nationally and internationally recognised ethical frameworks and are subject to independent review and oversight.

BioRTC recognises animals as sentient beings deserving of moral consideration and ensures that their welfare, dignity, and interests are protected throughout the lifecycle of any approved research activity.

Ethical Framework and Principles

Animal research at BioRTC is guided by:

  • Nigerian legal and regulatory frameworks, including the Animal Diseases (Control) Act and Veterinary Surgeon Act

  • International best practices in animal welfare and research governance

  • The 3Rs Principle:

    • Replacement – using non-animal alternatives wherever possible

    • Reduction – using the minimum number of animals required for valid results

    • Refinement – minimising pain, distress, and suffering through improved methods

These principles are formally articulated in BioRTC’s Declaration on Animal Research Ethics, which defines the moral philosophy, responsibilities, and humane standards expected of all researchers.

Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC)

All animal research proposals are reviewed by the Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC) of BioRTC. The committee operates independently to ensure that animal use is scientifically justified, ethically acceptable, and compliant with welfare standards.

Roles of AREC

The committee is responsible for:

  • Reviewing and approving animal research protocols

  • Ensuring ethical compliance throughout the study lifecycle

  • Monitoring approved studies and addressing welfare concerns

  • Providing ethical guidance and capacity building for researchers

The governance, composition, decision-making processes, and oversight responsibilities of the committee are defined in BioRTC’s Terms of Reference and Governance Framework.

Committee Membership

BioRTC’s Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC) is deliberately multidisciplinary, comprising experts in biomedical science, veterinary medicine, social sciences, ethics, community representation, and religious leadership. This breadth of expertise ensures balanced, culturally sensitive, and scientifically rigorous ethical review. Please refer to our dedicated committee page for further details.

Applying for Ethical Approval

All research involving animals must receive ethical approval before commencement.

Researchers are required to submit an application detailing:

  • Scientific justification for animal use

  • Species, numbers, and sourcing of animals

  • Welfare considerations, housing, and husbandry

  • Procedures, endpoints, and fate of animals

  • Risk assessment and monitoring plans

Animal Research Ethics applications must be submitted via the online application form on the Animal Research Ethics Application page (click here).

Policies, Guidance, and Downloads

For transparency and accessibility, BioRTC provides the following documents: