GO-UNIVERSITY, ENUGU PLANS TO HAVE THE BIGGEST BIOTECHNOLOGY CENTRE IN AFRICA
A multi-million naira DNA Learning Centre is to be established in Enugu State as part of efforts to encourage research development in Bio-Technology within the country.
The facility will be sited at the Godfrey Okoye University, Thinkers Corner, Enugu and will be funded by the institution in collaboration with Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory, a first tier research institution in the United States of America.
Biotechnology is an advance branch of science in which biological processes, living organisms and cellular components are exploited by means of in-depth research for the purpose of developing new technologies for human and environmental benefits.
It also includes the genetic manipulation of micro organisms for the production of anti-biotics and hormonal drugs.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria on the impact of the DNA Learning centre, which is the first of its kind, the facilitator of the project, a Professor in Biology and Specialists in Biotechnology and Genetics from Bowen State University, Maryland, United States of America, Professor George Ude said the country stood the chance of becoming a major exporter of skilled labour in Biotechnology, within the African continent. According to Professor Ude, the Centre will also serve as an extension of the Cold Spring Harbour Labouratory, where faculty officials and trainers from around the world would be trained.
“There are about three of them right now in the world. The headquarters is in New York, the other one is in China, the third one is in Mexico and there is none in the continent of Africa. We have come to an agreement with DNA Learning Centre, New York, which is the headquarters, to build one of those facilities in Africa and we will be teaching faculty members from all over Africa and even from all over the world because it is more affordable to come to Africa for training than to fly to New York.”
Professor Udeh also expressed satisfaction with the level preparation by the Host institution for the project.
“There is diligence among the students, among the faculty to bring a change.”
Highlighting other achievements of Godfrey Okoye University, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Christian Anieke said he was happy the institution has taken the front burner in the development of Biotechnology not only in the country but within the African continent.
“Am convinced that we are leading now in bio technology in this country and we are taking that step further with this DNA Learning Centre. It’s going to be the biggest we will have in African and probably one of the biggest in the world.”
The DNA Learning Centre will be completed before the end of the year is also expected to put an end to long delays associated with obtaining lab results during Paternity tests and forensics to aid investigations in criminal cases.
by
AUGUSTINE ANATUANYA