DNALC Nigeria in 2025: Raising the next generation STEM workforce through intensive hands-on research/laboratory experience

The year 2025 has been a defining chapter in the story of the DNA Learning Center Nigeria (DNALC Nigeria), a year marked by innovation, capacity building, and hands-on discovery. From immersive molecular biology workshops to rigorous certificate programs and continuous medical student training, DNALC Nigeria has continued to empower a new generation of scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals.

Through its engaging and practical approach to genomics education, the Center has strengthened its position as a leading force in advancing molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology literacy across Nigeria and beyond. Each program this year has not only expanded knowledge but also ignited passion, shaping young minds to think critically, explore boldly, and lead confidently in the world of science.

• Trained hundreds of students and researchers across disciplines.
• Introduced hands-on genomics and bioinformatics skills to Nigeria’s academic ecosystem.
• Fostered a growing community of young scientists passionate about molecular biology and biotechnology.
  DNALC Nigeria continues to inspire innovation, collaboration, and excellence, paving the way for a more research-driven, genomically literate Nigeria.

Below are the key milestones that highlight DNALC Nigeria’s success story in training and workshops for the year 2025.

GOUNI PREMED Certificate Program: Nurturing Young Medical Scientists through Genomics

The GOUNI PREMED Certificate Program (March–May 2025) concluded with a colorful closing ceremony celebrating growth, grit, and scientific discovery.
Over several weeks, medical students immersed themselves in the study of molecular biology and genomics, engaging in practical sessions that covered DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, and DNA fingerprinting.
The highlight of the program was the GenoMed Project, where student groups applied genomics to real-world health challenges. Group 8, with their presentation on Typhoid Fever and Genomic Diagnostics, emerged top among their peers.
Speaking virtually at the event, DNALC Nigeria’s Chaiman Board of Trustees, Prof. George Ude and our parent partner, DNALC New York’s Director, Dr. Dave Micklos, charged graduates to become “future change makers who challenge problems, solve them, and change lives.”
The program’s success underscored DNALC Nigeria’s commitment to experiential learning and mentorship in advancing biomedical education.

Summer Professional Course 2025: Igniting Innovation and Scientific Passion in Young Minds

The DNA Learning Center Nigeria Summer Professional Course 2025 wrapped up in spectacular fashion on August 22, marking two weeks of intense discovery, innovation, and mentorship.
Hosted at the Advanced Molecular Laboratory, Godfrey Okoye University, the program brought together some of the brightest young scientific minds for an immersive journey into molecular biology, genetic engineering, and biotechnology innovation.

Participants mastered key molecular techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and genetic transformation, while also collaborating on BioInnovation Projects that challenged them to apply scientific knowledge to real-world problems.
The program’s energy, creativity, and mentorship culture inspired a new wave of confidence and curiosity among participants, young scientists ready to reshape the future of science in Nigeria and across Africa.

The course concluded with an atmosphere of celebration, pride, and purpose, as students showcased their projects and reflected on two weeks of transformation and growth.
Indeed, the Summer Professional Course 2025 stands as a beacon of DNALC Nigeria’s mission to ignite scientific passion, inspire innovation, and prepare Africa’s next generation of molecular scientists.

Genomics Gateway Workshop: Empowering Nigeria’s Next Generation of Molecular Scientists

The Second Genomics Gateway Workshop, held from October 29–31, 2025, marked a transformative milestone in advancing genomic literacy and laboratory competence in Nigeria.
Hosted by the DNA Learning Center Nigeria (DNALC Nigeria), the three-day intensive training combined foundational molecular biology lessons with advanced genomic and bioinformatics techniques.
Participants gained hands-on experience in DNA extraction, PCR setup, gel electrophoresis, and bioinformatics analysis using the DNA Subway Blue Line.
The workshop culminated in an inspiring closing ceremony with a live address from Prof. George Ude, who encouraged participants to pursue innovation and excellence in science.
This program reinforced DNALC Nigeria’s mission to cultivate the next generation of scientists equipped to drive genomic research and biotechnology development across Africa.

It will be recalled that earlier in the year, we had the first cohorts with the Genomics Gateway 1.0 and it was nothing but magical.

Strengthening Science Education: Ongoing Molecular Biology Training for Medical and Nursing Students

Throughout 2025, DNALC Nigeria continued its special training sessions for Year One and Final Year College of Medicine students, as well as first- and second-year Nursing students who are in their hundreds.
These weekly, fully packed lab sessions provided immersive, hands-on training in basic molecular biology skills, bridging theoretical knowledge with laboratory application.
By integrating genomics education into early medical and nursing training, DNALC Nigeria is helping to shape a new generation of healthcare professionals who are scientifically literate and genomically informed.

The year 2025 so far has been a landmark of progress, purpose, and promise for the DNA Learning Center Nigeria.

Through its dynamic workshops, certificate programs, professional courses, and continuous training initiatives, the Center has empowered hundreds of students and young professionals with the tools, skills, and confidence to lead Africa’s scientific transformation.

Each milestone from the Genomics Gateway Workshops to the Summer Professional Course reflects a shared vision: to make science accessible, practical, and impactful.

As DNALC Nigeria continues to expand the frontiers of molecular biology and genomics education, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to building a generation of innovative thinkers, researchers, and problem-solvers who will redefine the future of biotechnology in Nigeria and beyond. The journey of discovery continues and the future of science has never looked brighter.