UNIZIK Forensic Sciences Dept Holds Maiden 2026 Student Enrollment Programme
at Agulu Campus
The Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Agulu Campus, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, successfully held its 2026 Student Enrollment Programme with the theme: “Forensic Science Education: The Panacea to Building the 21st Century Criminal Justice System in Nigeria.”
The colourful and intellectually engaging event attracted top academic leaders, security chiefs, parents, staff, and students, highlighting the growing relevance of forensic science in Nigeria’s security and justice sectors.
Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji in a remark, appreciated everyone present and emphasised the importance of students participating in academic and professional gatherings, especially as forensic science students. He urged the students to remain security-conscious both within and outside the university environment.
He further assured the students that hostel facilities at the Agulu Campus would soon be upgraded to standards befitting students of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. According to him, forensic science is a highly relevant course in contemporary society due to the increasing rate of crime across the country.
Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Sunday O. Nduka in a speech expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his continuous support towards the faculty. He candidly noted that many students may not initially have chosen forensic science as their preferred course of study but assured them that the department offers enormous opportunities and promising prospects.
Prof. Nduka further disclosed that the faculty had gone the extra mile in securing seasoned lecturers, including professionals from the United States of America, to provide students with quality and versatile learning experiences.
Head of Department (HoD), Forensic Sciences, Prince Chijioke Ofomata remarked that forensic sciences as a course of study has gained much attraction from admission seekers presently unlike before when people who couldn’t gain admission to study pharmacy and the like were shifted into the department.
He said the tide has changed as the department is presently oversubscribed, so they may find it difficult to accept all the candidates for this year’s admission. He disclosed that the first set of students in the department will be graduating next year while the department is poised to graduate students found really worthy in character and learning.
The HoD also reeled out the code of conduct for forensic science outlined with strict ethical, professional and technical guidelines which forensic experts must follow in their day-to-day professional practice noting that their practice, examinations, reports/ testimonies must remain objective, scientifically accurate and extremely free of personal biases- objectivity and impartiality.
He maintained that professionals must when testifying in a court of law, tribunal or any court of competent jurisdiction, the forensic expert has a primary duty to provide, clear, truthful and scientifically backed testimonies, desist from using jargon, or misleading language, and must accurately communicate and maintain confidentiality and refrain from any conflict of interest that may impair their testimonies.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Philomena Igbokwe, who is the current director of the School of General Studies, described the program as more than a ceremonial gathering.
According to her, the maiden enrollment program represents “a declaration of intent and a bold step toward reshaping the future of justice, accountability, and scientific integrity in Nigeria.” She encouraged the incoming students to remain committed to their studies, noting that forensic science professionals are increasingly in demand globally.
The Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, stated that he has always held the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences close to his heart both during and after his tenure as Vice Chancellor.
He revealed that the journey to establishing the Department of Forensic Sciences began as far back as 2009 and described it as a difficult but worthwhile mission that has now become a reality. Prof. Esimone particularly appreciated the efforts of Prince Chijioke Ofomata, the current Head of Department, for his selfless commitment and dedication toward the growth of the department over the years.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Chuks Anukposi, MNI, the State Director of Security, DSS, Anambra State Command, represented by Taiwo, described forensic science as one of the best career paths students could undertake because of its wide range of opportunities.
He highlighted how fingerprint tracing and other forensic techniques have significantly assisted security agencies in tracking and prosecuting criminal suspects. He urged the students to remain diligent and focused, assuring them that their dedication would eventually yield great rewards.
Also speaking, AIG Godwin Eze, PSC (+), Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 13, represented by DCP Abubakar Shika, appreciated the university management and organisers for the successful event. He stressed the need for stronger cooperation between security agencies and school authorities in fostering a safer academic environment and society at large.
The event witnessed the presence of several notable security chiefs and dignitaries, including:
The commissioner of police, CP Ikioye Orutugu represented the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Commandant Charles Onubogu, represented by ACN Chris Adabo, the Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the State Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service and Bridget Asekhauno, Sector Commander, Anambra State Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
Parents, staff, and students of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences were also in attendance, making the program a memorable and impactful occasion.
The maiden 2026 Student Enrollment Program further underscored the growing importance of forensic science education in strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system and enhancing national security.