IBEGE – Welcome to Ife Behavior Genetics Project – Twins for Health and Well-Being.

Twins for Health and Well-being

The Ife Behaviour Genetics (IBeGe) Project studies twins and their families to understand what shapes the wellbeing and mental health of children in Nigeria.

Twins in Yoruba Culture

Twins are celebrated as bringers of blessing. Learn why they matter in research too.

Why Twin Research

Comparing identical and non-identical twins shows how genes and environment shape children.

Children’s Mental Health

We study early signs of emotional and behavioural difficulties in young children.

Adolescent Wellbeing

We explore anxiety and depression among adolescents in Osun State.

Parents and Families

Parents are central to children’s wellbeing, so we work with both.

Take Part

Are you a twin or a parent of twins? Join our research community.

Featured Projects

Research with Nigerian twins and their families

How our research helps

Understanding

By comparing identical and non-identical twins, we estimate how much genes and environment shape a child’s wellbeing, then look for the environmental factors we can act on.

Sharing what we learn

We share findings with participants and the wider community, so that parents and caregivers can use them in daily life and in policy.

Our Team

Met the IBeGe Project Team

Watch, Listen & Learn

Voices from Our Community

What it means to take part in twin research

Mr and Mrs Obayemi Parent

“From the first day, the team treated us with respect. They were friendly, patient, and made it easy for our family to participate. Our kids were a handful”

Mrs Bukola Ogunyemi Parent

“Regular messages and follow-up information have kept us informed over the years. It shows that they truly value the families they work with.”

Mrs Mary Njoku Parent

“I used to think every stubborn behaviour was just ‘stubbornness.’ But the team helped us understand that sometimes there is more behind a child’s behaviour.”

Mr Olufisayo Parent

“Our twins enjoyed the celebration, and as parents, we were happy to see them celebrated in such a lovely way.”

Mrs Adebanji Parent

“The programme gave me confidence to discuss our children’s health with doctors and nurses. I am longer afraid to ask questions.”

Mrs Blessing Felix Parent

“We learnt a lot from the team’s outreach and health talks. The information was practical, and relevant to our daily lives.”

Mrs Adeleke Okuwaranti Parent

“Even after many years, the team still keeps in touch with our family. That kind of follow-up is rare, and we truly appreciate them.”

Mrs Silver Obasi Parent

“Participating in the research work opened our eyes! We now understand that genetics can play a role in how our children grow, behave, and even handle their emotions.”

Mrs Temitope Adeagbo Parent

“We loved how the team disseminates research information. They were very accountable and reliable.”

Twin Pairs

Towns

Projects

Published Papers

Meet Our Partners

our dedicated Donors and Partners

Check Out Our Study

Learn more about our research

Explore our studies, findings and resources to see how twin research is helping build a better understanding of child and adolescent mental health in Nigeria.