One of Nigeria’s most respected higher educational institutions, University of Benin, UNIBEN, Benin City, Edo State, has scored another first in the tertiary educational sector in Nigeria as it recently commenced a post-graduate diploma programme in forensic and DNA analysis.
The development is another landmark achievement recorded by the institution under the leadership of the vice-chancellor, Prof. Osasere Orumwense FNSE.
The Centre for Forensic Programmes and DNA studies of the university provides high quality instruction and advanced hands-on training in forensic science techniques and crime laboratory methodologies.
Speaking at the orientation programme for the pioneer postgraduate students for the 2018/2019 academic session, the vice-chancellor, Prof. Osasere Orumwense FNSE, urged the students to be committed and focused so as achieve their desire of being forensic experts.
He noted that they are very fortunate to be the pioneer set while enumerating the effort made so far by his administration to ensure they get a world class standard of training.
Prof. Orumwense informed the students that he and other principal officers of the university recently traveled to the United States of America and Canada to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Centre for Forensic Research and Education, Philadephia, U.S.A, Paleo DNA Centre and Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada.
In his welcome address, the programme coordinator, Centre for Forensic Programme and DNA Studies, University of Benin, Prof Edeaghe Ehikhamenor while congratulating the students added that the centre undertakes postgraduate diploma in forensic and DNA analysis (PGD Forensic) as well as other training such specialized short certificate courses in areas of DNA analysis and forensic science .He also added that the centre shall also provide services in DNA technology and forensic specialties for other departments within the university and other service/research institutions of higher learning in the country.
The dean, School of Dentistry, University of Benin, Prof. M. Sede gave a brief lecture on career in forensics alongside lectures by sub-unit heads on DNA Analysis, Forensic Law, toxicology, Digital Forensics, Forensic Accounting, Forensic Document Examination, Forensic Social Work and Forensic Nursing.
Some of the students expressed readiness to acquire all the necessary skills and assured the vice-chancellor that they will do the university proud.
Present at the event were principal officers of the university as well as staff of the centre.
A total number of 45 students were admitted for the programme which will run for nine months.