Lagos – Faculty of Science, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos (Unilag), in collaboration with Society for Forensic and Analytical Scientists Nigeria (SFASN) today commences a three-day forensic conference.
Besides, the conference that will also involve Nebraska Institute of Forensic Sciences, Lincoln, USA will end on Thursday 14th, November 2019.
Briefing newsmen at the Akoka campus of the university on Monday, Omidiji Olusesan, Professor of Cell Molecular Biology, disclosed that the theme of the conference is “Violent and Nonviolent Crimes: Implications for National Progress and Development” will feature three plenary speakers.
According to him, the Forensic conference is expected to be addressed by Prof. Kalu Ogbureke of the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, USA and features other sub-themes like Insurgency and Extrajudicial Killings; Rape, Kidnapping and Cultism and Organ and Human Trafficking.
Omidiji said the maiden Unilag forensic conference was aimed at sensitizing members of the public, create awareness among government officials, and seek the support of the various security forces, the judiciary and present novel findings in various fields and sub-fields of forensic.
He argued that a good understanding and awareness about the importance of forensic science will further provide solutions that could crimes perpetrated within and outside the country.
Prof. Joy Okpuzor, Chairman, Local Organising Committee disclosed that the forensic conference would feature Dr Mathias Okoye, a practising physician, lawyer, and the director of the Nebraska Institute of Forensic Sciences, Inc.; Prof. Michael Chambliss, Dr. Cordelia Okoye, National Institute of Forensic Science, Lincoln, USA; Dr. Idowu Taiwo, Dept of Cell Biology and Genetics, UNILAG as plenary speakers.
Matthias Okoye, in his presentation, lamented that Nigeria as a country is yet to realize the important place of forensic science, saying that the three medical schools in Lagos State if given the right support could offer excellent services to the authority.
Ogbureke, who advocated for the development of the interest of the people in forensic science, expressed the hope that awareness of its importance will gain prominence with time.
Lamenting the frustration of his efforts to put up a standard forensic facility in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) by the authority, he envisaged that the time is fast approaching when Nigerians will learn to do things the right.
He advised the Federal government to borrow a leaf from the Chinese government by providing support for the establishment of standard forensic laboratories in institutions, saying that such support will ensure the country moves from analogue justice system where genuine evidence without doubts will dictate and enhance professional justice adjudication.
