Godfrey Okoye University Donates Land for DNALC Nigeria Science City, Ushering in New Era of Scientific Advancement

Godfrey Okoye University (GOU), Enugu, has donated approximately 6,000 square meters of land at its Ugwuomu campus for the development of the DNA Learning Center (DNALC) Nigeria Science City. This groundbreaking initiative will host cutting-edge research and educational facilities, marking a historic milestone in the region's scientific development.

The DNALC Nigeria Science City will be home to several world-class institutions, including the Center for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFOCI), Training and Advanced Studies (CeTRAS), Research and Innovation (CeFARAI), Visual Media and Computation (CeSAVIMS), and a Startup Innovation Hub (CeSISTEN). These institutions are designed to foster scientific research, innovation, and advanced training, contributing to Africa's growing scientific footprint.

This transformative project is a collaborative effort between Godfrey Okoye University, the Enugu State Government, DNALC Nigeria, and the DNA Learning Center in New York. The Science City aims to become a legacy not only for the university but for the entire African continent, advancing forensic science, public health interventions, and innovation.

Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, Vice-Chancellor of GOU, officially handed over the site and underscored the long-term impact of the project on future generations. "The University is building for future generations, and not just for itself. The engineers and everyone involved should view this project as a service to God and humanity," he said.

Mr. Michael Okoro, Deputy Director of DNALC Nigeria and Project Coordinator, provided insight into the structure of the Science City, which will consist of six key sections. These include a DNA Center for Forensic and Criminal Investigation and a Public Health Intervention Center. Mr. Okoro also announced that the first two phases of the project have been successfully completed, with the third phase set to begin in October 2024. The full installation of facilities is expected by April 2025.

Prof. George Ude, Director of the Science City, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the center becomes a hub for groundbreaking contributions in education, science, and innovation. "This project will reshape research and learning in Nigeria and beyond," Prof. Ude remarked.

This monumental effort has been lauded as a transformative step towards building a stronger scientific foundation in Africa, and the entire community awaits the revolutionary impact this project is expected to have on research, public health, and innovation. Godfrey Okoye University continues to stand at the forefront of Africa's scientific and technological progress.