Two Nigerian brothers, Davis and Emmanuel Eban, are using technology and biotechnology education to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical scientific experience for students across Africa.
The brothers are the founders of Edugene, a science and biotechnology education platform that recently gained international recognition after being admitted into the European Genomic Medicine Consortium (EGMEDC).
Edugene was formally welcomed into the pan-European consortium during the CRISPRMED26 Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, in April 2026. According to the founders, the platform is the first African organisation to join the consortium.
The development could create new opportunities for African students to connect with European laboratories, research projects, mentorship programmes and international internship opportunities.
EGMEDC is focused on advancing genomic medicine and the clinical application of CRISPR technologies, with major research, academic and biotechnology institutions among its partners and supporters.
For the Eban brothers, however, the significance of Edugene’s admission goes beyond international recognition. They see it as an opportunity to create practical pathways for African students who often graduate from universities with strong theoretical knowledge but limited laboratory exposure.
Tackling the theory-practice gap
Davis Eban, Edugene’s Chief Executive Officer and a cell biologist with clinical research experience, said the idea for the platform emerged from observing the challenges faced by science graduates in Nigeria and other African countries.
He said many talented students complete their degrees without access to the laboratory experience, professional mentorship and international networks needed to build careers in science and research.
According to him, some graduates eventually move into unrelated professions, including banking, despite having trained in scientific disciplines.
The situation, he said, convinced the brothers that technology could provide a bridge between university education and professional scientific practice.
Edugene therefore developed what its founders describe as a “Theory-to-Bench” model, designed to move students beyond classroom-based learning into practical scientific training.
The platform focuses on areas including genomics, bioinformatics and molecular biology, while also seeking to connect learners with professionals, mentors and institutions.
Combining technology with practical learning
Emmanuel Eban, Edugene’s Chief Technology Officer and an experienced software engineer, is responsible for the technology side of the initiative.
He said the platform combines digital learning with practical exposure, mentorship and opportunities for students to engage with experts and institutions in the life sciences.
The brothers believe this approach can help African students acquire skills that are relevant to laboratories, research organisations and biotechnology companies.
Their international partnership could further strengthen this model by creating opportunities for students to gain exposure to scientific research beyond the continent. ([New Telegraph][3])
## A new pathway for African science students
Edugene’s founders see their work as part of a wider effort to ensure that science education in Africa produces not only graduates with academic qualifications but also researchers, innovators and professionals equipped for the global scientific economy.
Davis said Edugene’s admission into EGMEDC represents recognition that African-led initiatives can contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community.
The platform is expected to officially launch for students in 2027.
The brothers are also calling for greater collaboration among Nigerian universities, research institutions, government agencies, private-sector organisations and scientists to expand access to mentorship, internships, funding and practical training for young Africans interested in science.
For African students, the initiative offers a different vision of science education — one where earning a degree is only the beginning, rather than the end, of the journey into scientific research and innovation. ([New Telegraph][3])
Source: Vanguard News, with additional reporting from New Telegraph. ([Vanguard News][1])
[1]: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/08/from-theory-to-the-lab-how-two-nigerian-brothers-are-changing-science-education-in-africa/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “How two Nigerian brothers are changing science education in Africa”
[2]: https://ng.headtopics.com/news/from-theory-to-the-lab-how-two-nigerian-brothers-are-86774778?utm_source=chatgpt.com “From theory to the lab: How two Nigerian brothers are changing science education in Africa | Nigeria”
[3]: https://newtelegraphng.com/nigerian-brothers-break-new-ground-as-edugene-becomes-first-african-member-of-european-genomic-medicine-consortium/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Nigerian Brothers Break New Ground As Edugene Becomes First African Member Of European Genomic Medicine Consortium”
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.