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TRAINING WORKSHOP ON BASIC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES FOR DNA MANIPULATIONS

 

 

Date: April 26 - 30, 2016

 

Venue: Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Forest Estate, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria

 

Background:

Basic techniques in molecular biology, proteomics and tissue culture have become routine tools for performing cutting-edge scientific investigations in many developed countries. Several training platforms, mentoring programmes and funding resources geared towards the development of the next generation of scientists are also available in many of these countries. Unfortunately, the opposite is the case in many developing countries such as Nigeria.  Requisite equipment for these techniques are generally lacking in many research and training institutions in Nigeria. To worsen the situation, technical/scientific expertise required for effective utilization are lacking in places where these equipment are available. This situation has not only prevented countries such as Nigeria from engaging in cutting-edge research, but has also hampered the training of upcoming scientists in the region.

 

Several efforts geared towards the development of biotechnology research in Nigeria are currently being implemented across the country. In addition to the establishment of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) by the Federal Government, several Universities have started incorporating biotechnology/molecular biology into their core disciplines.  These efforts further necessitate the need to develop competent scientists and researchers with the capacity for world-class research and training capability. As part of efforts to address this problem, Bioscience Research Education and Advisory Centre (BREAC) partners with the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) to organise a 5-day workshops on basic molecular techniques for cutting edge bioscience research. This workshop is targeted at scientists, postgraduate students and lecturers within the region.  

Scope of the training

 

The workshops will feature lectures and laboratory sessions on:

  • Health and safety regulations and bioethics

  • Review of genetics, scope and impact of recombinant DNA Technology

  • DNA structure, the genetic code and codon translation

  • Gene expression and regulation

  • DNA and RNA Isolation

  • Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and gene amplification

  • Agarose gel electrophoresis

  • Western Blotting

  • Introduction to bioinformatics

  • Applications of DNA technology in disease detection and drug discovery 

  • Applications of  DNA technology in plant improvement

 

 

Workshop Facilitator

 

                                   

                                   Dr. Opeolu O. Ojo

                                   School of Health, Sport and Bioscience

                                   University of East London

                                   Water Lane, Stratford, E15 4LZ, United Kingdom

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ojo holds a first degree in Biochemistry from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, an M.Tech in Biochemistry from Federal University of Technology (Now Modibbo Adama University of Technology), Yola and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK.  Dr. Ojo has extensive professional training in bioinformatics and biotechnology, having trained under eminent scientists from all around the world.  He also trained as a professional science educator. His career started as a Lecturer in Integrated Science at Federal College of Education, Yola, Nigeria before his employment as the pioneer Scientist in Chevron Biotechnology Centre and a Lecturer in the department of Biotechnology of Federal University of Technology, Yola. He established the B.Tech Biotechnology programme currently running in Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria. He was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellowship of the University of Ulster, United Kingdom in 2009. He was a Research Scientist in the Centre for Molecular Bioscience, University of Ulster (2009 – 2015) before joining the University of East London. Dr. Ojo has won several prestigious professional awards such as the O’Donovan Medal of the Irish Endocrine Society (2011), the Young Scientist Award of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (2011), the Trainee Award of The Endocrine Society (2012). Recently, he was nominated as an Endocrine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Parliament (House of Commons).

 

Dr. Ojo has been on the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Biotechnology Society since 2006. He is a chartered scientist, Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science, Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK, an Associate Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy and a member of several professional bodies. He has authored several book chapters and over 50 scientific publications in proteomics, bioinformatics, drug discovery, diabetes and natural products. Dr. Ojo will anchor the entire training programme, deliver lectures and facilitate the laboratory sessions

 

 

How to apply

 

Course Fees : NGN 60, 000.00 (This covers workshop manual, Course CD, Tea break, Lunch & bag).

 All payments should be made into FRIN consult account:  FRIN Consultancy Services LTD. Skye Bank: 1771228144

 

Applicants are to send the payment slip together with the completed application form to consult@frin.gov.ng. Click here to download the flier and the application form.

 

Visit www.frin.gov.ng for further information. There are several affordable hotels in the environs. Participants are advised to make their own accommodation bookings.  For further enquiries, call: 08023316888, 080606643392, 08023097782, 08023105695, 08061333216

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