Don advocates inclusion of genome editing in university curriculum

Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Supervisor, Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation(STI), African Union Development Agency(AUDA-NEPAD), has called for the introduction of Genome Editing as course of study in Nigerian universities.

Akinbo, noted that Genome Editing science as a course of study in Nigerian University curriculum would equip students with firsthand knowledge. Also, the essence of the curriculum development for Genome Editing was to afford students the background required for them to fit into the job, rather than learning on the job.

Akinbo said the millennium generation preferred to work smart, which implied having information ahead of time.

He clarified for such paradigm shift, Genome Editing, as an evolving technology, needed to be included into the University Curriculum.

He said with the course, students already had the science background that would qualify them for jobs.

According to the AUDA-NEPAD Supervisor, the same initiative will also taking place in other African countries of Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, who all have biosafety laws in place.

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Recall that, in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), the AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in STI, made submissions at a two-day workshop in December, 2023.

The workshop was organised to strengthen institutional capacity in genome editing and biotechnology through strategic alliances with Nigerian Universities and Agricultural Research Institutions.

Giving update on the status of the initiative, Akinbo said the response was positive, bearing in mind that it was a completely nascent initiative.

“Presently, the Vice Chancellor of Uthman Dan Fodio University is really working hard in collaboration with the NABDA to get this in form.

 “We are hopeful that at the end of the day, genome editing will get into the curriculum of Nigerian Universities.

 “Moreover, it will also help to teach the courses that are part of this initiative,” he said.

NAN/Chidimma Gold