GOUNI partners US lab to construct DNA forensics centre in Enugu

The Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI) in Enugu wants to construct a DNA forensics centre at its Ugwuomu campus.

The university has donated 6,000 square meters of land for the DNLA Learning Centre (DNALC) as part of a grand science city project.

Christian Anieke, the GOUNI vice-chancellor, handed over the land for the acclaimed science city to the construction team on Saturday.

He said the facility will be housing the Centers for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFOCI), Training and Advanced Studies (CeTRAS), Research and Innovation (CeFARAI), Visual MediaComputation (CeSAVIMS), and a Startup Innovation Hub (CeSISTEN).

Anieke said the project is being executed in collaboration with the Enugu state government and the DNA Learning Centre in New York.

He described the facility as a ground-breaking legacy project for the university, Enugu state, and the entire African continent.

Anieke said the university is building for future generations and aiming at long-term societal impact.

In his speech, Michael Okoro, the deputy director of the DNALC Nigeria who is coordinating the project, said there are six key sections to the science city including the DNA Centre for Forensic and Criminal Investigation.

Okoro said the entire project would be completed in seven phases.

He said the first two phases have been concluded and the third phase is to start in October 2024.

He said the full installation of facilities would start in April 2025 while the centre would be ready for inauguration by June.

The deputy director said the work would proceed at a fast pace without compromising on quality.