Governor Peter Mbah has inaugurated a state-of-the-art DNA Learning and Forensics Centre at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, strengthening forensic investigations, criminal justice delivery, scientific research, and security capabilities in Nigeria.
ENUGU, Nigeria – Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inaugurated the DNA Learning and Forensics Centre at Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI), describing the facility as a major milestone in strengthening security, criminal investigations, and justice delivery through science and technology.
The facility, known as the Centre for DNA Forensic and Criminal Investigation (CEDFOCI), was established through a partnership between Godfrey Okoye University and the Enugu State Government.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the university’s main campus in Enugu, Mbah said modern security challenges require innovative solutions driven by scientific advancement and technological innovation.
According to the governor, security remains the foundation upon which economic growth, investment, education, and social development are built.
“From the day we came into office, we identified security as the biggest elephant in the room. We knew our ambitions to eradicate poverty, attract investment, and grow the economy could not be achieved without security,” Mbah said.
He described the DNA centre as one of the most significant investments in the state’s security architecture, noting that it would strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes, identify suspects, and secure convictions using scientific evidence.
“This is not simply about a laboratory; it is about a mindset. The future belongs to those willing to take a quantum leap into future-based thinking,” he stated.
The governor warned criminal elements that advancements in forensic science would make it increasingly difficult to evade justice.
“Every criminal leaves a trace, and we can now track that trace and use it as evidence. If you intend to harm our people, prey on our children, or threaten our communities, understand that the state now possesses capabilities that did not exist previously,” he said.
Mbah urged security agencies, legal practitioners, researchers, and educational institutions across Nigeria to utilise the facility for forensic analysis, criminal investigations, scientific research, and professional training.
He also emphasised the importance of preserving crime scenes to prevent contamination of crucial evidence that could support investigations.
In his remarks, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, represented by Rev. Fr. Victor Eze, described the facility as a landmark achievement for both Godfrey Okoye University and Enugu State.
Onaga stressed that education remains central to national development and commended the collaboration between the university and the state government in addressing security challenges.
“With the rising insecurity in our nation, collaboration between government and private institutions is necessary to tackle the menace and strengthen the justice system,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of the DNA Learning Centre Nigeria, Prof. George Udeh, described the facility as evidence that Africa can build world-class institutions capable of competing globally.
He said the centre would serve as a training hub for forensic scientists, geneticists, molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, public health experts, and future innovators.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Prof. Christian Anieke, said the establishment of the centre reflected the institution’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, and societal development.
Anieke expressed confidence that the facility would significantly improve criminal investigations, security operations, and justice administration across Nigeria.
He noted that beyond forensic investigations, the centre would also offer paternity and maternity testing services to help resolve family disputes through scientifically verified evidence.
The vice-chancellor further disclosed that approximately 98 per cent of the scientists and technical personnel expected to work at the centre are young Nigerian professionals below the age of 40, highlighting the project’s contribution to youth empowerment and capacity development.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented at the event, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, both of whom commended the initiative.
They described the DNA facility as a transformative investment that would strengthen criminal investigations, improve justice delivery, and enhance security not only in Enugu State but across Nigeria.
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