To this end, the governor will continue to provide good classroom environment, well equipped science laboratories and qualified science teachers through the state Post Primary Schools Management Board, PPSMB, in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze stated this in a good will message to a 4-day train-the-trainer workshop at the DNA Learning Centre, Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu in Enugu East local government area. He expressed joy that Enugu state was privileged to host such scientific initiative as the importance of practical exposure and understanding of biodiversity issues and conservation of nature could not be over emphasised.

In an address of welcome, the Vice Chancellor, Godfrey Okoye University, Prof. Christian Anieke, said the DNA Learning Center which was the first in Africa and the only one in Nigeria could rival any training and research centre in the world.

He explained that with the help of Dr. Dave Micklos, the Director of DNA Learning Centre, New York and the Director of the DNA Learning Centre Nigeria, Prof. George Ude the facility was set up with the best up-to-date equipment and regular supply of reagents.

Prof. Anieke maintained that the commencement of the training which marked the inauguration of the Back to Science Initiative Project, BATOSCIN, indicated significant readiness to change the future of science education in Nigeria, beginning from Enugu state.

He enjoined about 28 teachers selected from the 6 Education Zones in Enugu state for the training to make best use of the opportunity to get intellectual empowerment for the training of their students.

Also in an address, the Director, DNALC Nigeria, Prof. George Ude noted that the continued graduation of African Scientists who lacked strong research skill sets was a waste of time.

According to him, "the ever increasing global challenges in medicine, agriculture and environment requires a new generation of scientists who are not only theoretically sound but are equipped with hands on skills for solving real life problems facing the world today."

Prof. Ude stated that the Back to Science Initiative Project, BATOSCIN, which was funded by the US Consulate in Nigeria would train 32 high school teachers and 160 secondary school students on application of DNA Barcoding techniques for species identification and biodiversity studies. "They will also learn how to extract DNA, carry out PCR reactions, sequence DNA and conduct bioinformatics sequence data analysis," he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Post Primary Schools Management, PPSMB, Dr. Favour Ugwuanyi mni, in a message thanked the DNALC Nigeria and the sponsors of the BATOSCIN project.

The Perm. Sec. represented by the Director, Science & Tech. Department, PPSMB, Engr. Edith U. Eze was particularly happy with the huge investment in resources and time to provide opportunities for teachers and students of secondary schools in Enugu state to gain hands on research and skills through integrated research experience.

The trainees were presented with certificates at the end of the training.