The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has launched formal discussions with the Police Service Commission (PSC) to train police personnel in forensic science and DNA analysis, in a bid to bolster investigative efficiency in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The talks, which commenced this week in Abuja, are part of UNIBEN’s broader vision to support security reforms through higher education and specialised skills development. Dr Benedicta Ehanire, the university’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, was Professor Christopher Osubor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), who led the academic delegation to the meeting.
“Forensics and DNA analysis have become indispensable in contemporary policing,” Osubor remarked. “Training law enforcement officials in these areas will significantly enhance their capacity to solve complex cases and uphold justice.”
Professor Eddy Ehikhamenor, who heads the university’s Centre for Forensic and DNA Studies, highlighted the centre’s resources and readiness to support the PSC’s personnel with rigorous, science-based investigative training.
He cautioned that the rise in sophisticated criminal methods requires equally advanced responses, which only forensic education can provide.
PSC Chairman and retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Argungu, lent his full support to the initiative. Recalling his own exposure to forensic science during active service, Argungu described the proposal as a “necessary evolution” in policing and immediately established a working group to begin drafting an implementation plan with UNIBEN.
The partnership is expected to culminate in a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the coming weeks.
