More than fifty (50) participants drawn from fifteen (15) tertiary institutions across Nigeria have been trained on DNA barcoding techniques by the UNILAG-TETFund Project Team on DNA Barcoding of Endangered Tree Species in Nigeria.
The 3-day intensive workshop which held at the Forensic Laboratory, D.K. Olukoya Central Research and Reference Laboratories, Main Campus, Akoka, Lagos was drawn to a close on Thursday, May 25, 2023.
According to some of the participants, the workshop offered a platform to learn new perspectives and acquire the latest information, share experience and practical knowledge, as well as create networking opportunities.
They highlighted the gratifying experiences and knowledge gained in areas such as Electrophoresis, Spectrophotometry, Analysis of PCR Data, DNA Sequencing & Barcoding, and Bioinformatics and analysis of DNA sequence data.
In her closing remarks, Principal Investigator of the TETFund Project team and Associate Professor in the Department of Botany, Temitope Onuminya explained that the workshop was a rigorous exercise that sharpened the minds of participants.
According to her, facilitators who are professionals in Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields have been able to sharpen the minds of the participants with new approaches, active and hands-on practical sessions, and teaching of relevant scientific concepts.
She added that the workshop afforded them an opportunity as scientists to develop science communication skills, such as the ability to break down complex concepts and deliver a concise, factual message in an engaging manner.
Dr. Onuminya used the medium to appreciate the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, FAS as well as members of her team for their support of the workshop.
Thereafter, there was the presentation of certificates to the participants.
