One of the leading voices in this clarion call is John Okhuaya, a professor of Mycology at the University of Benin. While speaking at the two-day annual national conference of NISLT which took place in Benin City last week, Professor Okhuaya decried the dilapidated state of laboratories in private and public sector.

According to him, the challenges facing science laboratory technology profession in Nigeria include the high number of retired, highly trained technologists, unwillingness of youths to offer science courses, lack of adequate modern equipment in teaching and research laboratories as well as poor funding of laboratories nationwide.

As a way out of these challenges, he recommended proper incorporation of the programme into the university system, urging the Federal Government to allocate adequate funds to laboratories so as to make them functional.

Professor Okhuaya said that “adequate funding of science laboratories is the only solution for any nation that would want to be relevant in the 21st century. Purchasing of modern and functional equipment will relatively improve efficiency and make the profession more attractive and competitive.

He added that science laboratory profession must be strengthened so that it will continue to contribute to national development, advising members of the profession to resist the temptation of abandoning the profession after obtaining higher degrees.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Grace Ekpiwhere (mni) who declared the conference open called on NISLT to itensify efforts towards repositioning science laboratory profession. She was represented by the Permanent Secretary of her ministry, Engr. R.N. Okenwa.

The minister commended the achievements which the Institute has recorded so far but urged its management to address the issue of human capacity development and to carry out useful research and development needed in the laboratories. She pledged her ministry’s support to the Institute to help it achieve its core mandate.

In his opening remarks, the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute Mr. Samuel Akanji said, “the role of Science Laboratory Technology in Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation System (SETI) cannot be overemphasized”.

He highlighted some of the Institute’s efforts aimed at achieving the sectoral goals of the ministry.
According to him, given the poor state of laboratory infrastructure in educational and research institutions, the Institute’s intervention strategy is to establish a database of the causative and the attendant requirements with which to improve the system.

According to him: “In the course of executing the project, our survey team visited about 56 institutions in the country last year and the data gathered are being processed to formulate the relevant policies on effective and efficient management and administration of laboratories in the country”.

In the area of capacity building, he said between January and October this year, the Institute has conducted over ten training workshops in relevant laboratory techniques to improve the knowledge and skills of scientists and technologists. “Over 300 participants attended these programmes and reports reaching us have indicated improved laboratory practices in the institutions and private establishments where the participants came from”, he added.

Akanji stated that late last year, his Council approved the construction of a block of laboratories and library at its present secretariat in Ibadan, adding that the Institute’s Multipurpose Laboratory has been completed and is being equipped with relevant facilities. The laboratory, he said would soon be commissioned for use and this will enable the Institute to carry out laboratory tests and analysis of samples.

He explained that “the projection and prospect of this facility will have positive impact on science and technology delivery in this country, and with the provision of the facility, the institute will be able to offer and perform standardized laboratory services for individuals and corporate organization, which would phase out the practice of sending samples abroad for laboratory analysis”.

He also informed that the Institute was one of the beneficiaries of the World Bank Grants under the Science and Technology Education Project (STEPB) for human capacity development and that plans have been put in place to execute the project. He disclosed that the Institute has also entered into partnership with some overseas companies and institutions to assist in human capacity development.

The former Government of Edo State, Senator (Prof.) Osahiemen Osunbor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary State, Ministry of Health, Dr Imoke, congratulated the President, members of the executive and the entire membership of the Institute and called on them to regulate the practice of the profession to curb the menace of unethical practices.

In his response, Director General of the Institute, Dr Ighodalo Folorunso Ijagbone, thanked the minister and the Edo State Governor for gracing the occasion and identifying with their programmes.

The Royal Father of the day was Oba of Benin, Omon’onba Nedo Ukuakpolokpolo, who was represented by two of his chiefs, former minister of science and technology. Chief (Prof.) Emovon and Chief J.B. Obaseki. Other dignitaries at the occasion included the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin Professor Iyare, the representative of the Vice-Chancellor Ben Idahosa University, Professor Ben Aluyi, representative of Executive Director NIFOR Benin City, Dr. Aisenin and the representative of Executive Director, Rubber Research Institute, Dr Aigbodon.

The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, as a professional membership body, meets annually in fulfilment of its core mandate of advancing science conference, which attracted participants across the federation, Infrastructural Development in the Laboratory, Human Capacity Development in the Laboratory and Institutionalising Quality Assurance System in Science Equipment Management.

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