UNIBEN, commission begin talks on forensic, DNA training for PSC, police personnel

The University of Benin has commenced discussions with the Police Service Commission (PSC) on the need to strengthen the investigative capacity of PSC personnel and operatives of the Nigeria Police through specialised training in forensic and DNA studies.

Dr Benedicta Ehanire, Public Relations Officer of the university, in a statement on Tuesday in Benin said the talks began in Abuja on Monday.

Ehanire explained that the discussions were part of the university’s strategic efforts to promote national security through academic collaboration and capacity building.

Leading the university’s delegation was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Christopher Osubor, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN.

Osubor emphasised the critical role forensic and DNA training could play in modern policing, especially in solving complex criminal and civil cases.

“Leveraging forensic and DNA studies will help build a dynamic Police Force equipped with the necessary methodologies for tackling and resolving the intricate cases that arise in today’s society,” the deputy Vice-Chancellor was quoted as saying.

On his part, Prof. Eddy Ehikhamenor, Director, Centre for Forensic and DNA Studies of the university, detailed the centre’s capacity and the benefits of forensic training.

Ehikhamenor noted that with rising sophistication in criminal activity, only security personnel trained in cutting-edge forensic techniques would be able to effectively investigate and solve crimes.

In his remark, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Hashimu Argungu, who is the Chairman of the PSC, expressed strong support for the collaboration.

Recalling his own training in forensics, he underscored the value such knowledge added to crime detection and oversight duties.

Argungu described the training proposal as timely and impactful, and immediately constituted a committee to work with the UNIBEN team on developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementation.