Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Pathology D.F.Path

GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES
This postgraduate course is designed to train Anatomic Pathologists (Morbid Anatomists) in the subspecialty of Forensic Pathology. This course addresses those aspects of Forensic Medicine, Pathology, and Science, which are most frequently the subject of expert testimony in the courts.  The intention is to produce specialists with core knowledge and practical skills in Forensic Pathology.  The course has a strong practical orientation with substantial hands-on experience.

The course also provides an interactive forum for those candidates wishing to pursue research and academic careers in Forensic Medicine at the tertiary level. It is expected that the professional skills so acquired will ultimately impact positively on the quality of evidence rendered in courts.

Workshop participation is required in each course and will include one (1) workshop per course.  These workshops will focus on specific fields of Forensic Science.  In addition to student workshop attendance, the student may be required to develop and present a workshop and/or be a presenter during other forensic pathology workshops.  An extensive clinical internship and research thesis is required. This course will be individually designed to provide extensive experience in the chosen field of forensic medicine and to identify, develop and study specific issues, collect and analyse data, and prepare a report identifying the study results.  The major objective would be to increase and encourage research in the field and to apply the study data to better serve the community.

After successful completion of course requirements, the student will receive a Post-Fellowship Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Pathology (D.F.Path).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants seeking admission into the D.F.Path programme must hold the following qualifications:

  1. M.B.B.S. Degree or equivalent from an accredited Medical School.
  2. Postgraduate Fellowship qualification in Anatomic Pathology (Morbid Anatomy) obtained either through the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria or any equivalent Postgraduate College.
  3. Success in a qualifying examination to be conducted by the Faculty of Pathology, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Ijanikin, Lagos.
  4. Candidates will also undergo a selection process with character evaluation and background criminal check.

REGISTRATION FEE:
₦25,000.00k non-refundable Associate Diplomate Registration payable through remita

COURSE FEE
The total cost per candidate for the 12-month programme is ₦2,500,000.00k. This is broken down as follows:

  1. Tuition fee – ₦2,000,000 per student.
  2. End-of-Course Assessment (₦10,000×14) – ₦140,000.
  3. Research/Case Book Assessment fees – ₦160,000 per student.
  4. Examination fees (Final) – ₦200,000 per student.

These fees excludes the Convocation fee for Diplomates as recently approved by the College.

DURATION OF THE COURSE
This is a twelve (12) month full-time postgraduate course based at the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.

The final examination shall consist of in-course assessments, written papers, practical and oral examinations, in addition to an assessment of the dissertation/case book. A candidate must satisfy the examiners in all parts of the examinations to qualify for the award of the Diploma. Candidates will be examined orally on the subject of the dissertation/case book by the examiners, separate from the main oral examination.

DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
The D.F.Path course commences on 1st October each year, irrespective of the day of the week upon which that date falls. The course runs for twelve months ending on 30th September of the following year.

Course Coordinator
Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, FMCPATH
Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Lagos State University/Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
john.obafunwa@npmcn.edu.ng