Professor Khalid Adekoya of the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos has charged the Federal Government to commission the development of a DNA database for national use.
Presenting the 17th Inaugural Lecture of the University in the 2021/2022 Academic Session titled: “IS IT ALL IN THE GENES?: A REFLECTION OF A GENETICIST”, Prof Adekoyahinged his charge on the need for effective deployment of technology in the management of security and defense in Nigeria.
The Professor of Genetics also advocated the development and adoption of new technologies with a view to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 which centres on peace, justice and strong institutions. He called for an improvement on the 2019 Global innovation index which he said will be of immense benefit to Nigeria.
Graced by relatives, colleagues, mentors and mentees, academics as well as an array of friends, admirers and well-wishers, Prof. Adekoya’s inaugural lecture highlighted the concept of genetics as a biological study, its multidimensions in relevance and application.
He recommended the upgrading of the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics in the University of Lagos into an Institute of Forensic Science with a view to harmonizing all aspects of forensics.
The Ijebu-Imusin born academic also suggested that courses in Genetics be made compulsory at all levels in all Biological Science programmes as well as applied Biological Science fields in tertiary institutions.
He emphasized the need for the establishment of dedicated research grants from the Federal Government, relevant parastatals, industries, TETfund and Non-Governmental organizations to support and promote Genetics research in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, in her remarks before and after the lecture, congratulated Professor Khalid Adekoya on his immense contributions to the body of knowledge. She hoped that relevant bodies would key into the recommendations made by Prof. Adekoya and explore its potential benefits for national security and development.
Titled “IS IT ALL IN THE GENES?: A REFLECTION OF A GENETICIST”, Professor Khalid Adekoya’s inaugural lecture is the51st from the Faculty of Science of the University of Lagos, 15th in Biological Sciences and the 3rd from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics since its existence.
