Maduka University Partners DNA Learning Centre to Advance Biotech Education in Nigeria
Maduka University, Enugu State, has partnered with the DNA Learning Centre Nigeria to deepen biotechnology education and provide hands-on training in molecular biology, genetics, and DNA research for students and professionals.
The DNA Learning Centre Nigeria — an affiliate of the globally recognised DNA Learning Centre in New York — is licensed to promote bioscience education through inquiry-driven learning in Nigeria and other African countries.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the university, the team lead and professor of biotechnology, George Ude, said the partnership was designed to democratise access to advanced DNA research and prepare young Nigerians for careers in healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and forensics.
“Our goal is to make advanced DNA education and research accessible to Nigerian students and researchers,” Ude said.
“By partnering with Maduka University, we can reach more young people and empower them with skills that are relevant to solving real-world problems.”
The partnership will offer practical courses including; DNA Fingerprinting and Forensics, human Genetics using PV92, understanding GMOs, gene Editing with CRISPR, DNA Barcoding, disease Discovery through Metagenomics, enzyme-based Biochemistry.
Vice-Chancellor of Maduka University, Prof. Charles Ogbulogo, hailed the collaboration as a major step in the university’s goal to become a hub for scientific innovation.
“The DNA Learning Centre Nigeria brings a wealth of expertise and resources that will help our students gain practical experience in DNA technology, bioinformatics, and advanced laboratory techniques,” he said.
Chancellor of the university, Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi, said the collaboration also holds potential for entrepreneurial development, particularly in enzyme production.
“This development aligns with the ethos of our institution. The DNA Centre has consistently identified enzyme production as a viable challenge for entrepreneurs. We are confident this partnership will yield results,” Onyishi stated.
The visiting DNALC Nigeria team included; Mr. Michael Okoro (Deputy Director), Dr. Chidinma Okafor, Miss Florence Mgbodile, Miss Eloanyi Queen (Lead Instructor II), Mr. Ozomah Precious, Mr. Onyia Emmanuel
Also representing Maduka University were Dr. Ifeyinwa Onyishi (Vice-Chairman, Peace Group) and Prof. Charles Ogbulogo.
The university reaffirmed that the initiative is in line with its broader mission to produce graduates equipped with industry-relevant skills and capable of tackling global scientific challenges through research and innovation.
