By Olayinka Latona

The Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria (ASLTON) has called on the federal and state governments to urgently increase funding for laboratory infrastructure, modern equipment, and workforce development, warning that the country’s scientific progress and public health security are at risk.

The call was made by ASLTON National President, Mr. Ayotunde Omorilewa, during World Laboratory Day 2026 organised by ASLTON Lagos State chapter in conjunction with D.K. Olukoya Central Research & Reference Laboratories, UNILAG (DROCFRL), with the theme: “From Bench To Policy”.

Omorilewa, who was represented by the former Public Relations Officer of the association, Mr. Olajide Raji, lamented that many Nigerian laboratories operate with outdated equipment, limited reagents, and poor safety protocols, exposing technologists to chemical and biological hazards.

The association noted that laboratory professionals are central to healthcare diagnostics, disease surveillance, environmental monitoring, and industrial quality control, yet they remain underfunded and inadequately recognised within national policy frameworks.

The Chairman of the association’s Lagos Chapter, Dike Simon Ifeanyichukwu, explained that while Nigerian laboratory technicians generate critical data and discoveries from the bench, those findings rarely survive the journey to policy formulation. “Science drives innovation and progress, but discoveries alone are not enough. They must influence real-world decisions,” he said.

Ifeanyichukwu outlined the ideal translation process—from scientific discovery and validation to clinical trials, evidence review, and finally policy implementation—but noted that in Nigeria, the pipeline is broken at almost every stage. The result, he said, is a system where research findings are consistently underused, and laboratory professionals work without the tools, recognition, or policy support needed to save lives.

Speaking to the theme of the event, the keynote speaker, Director of DROCFRL-UNILAG, Prof. Lukman Adams, said: “From Bench To Policy requires intentional effort, institutional support and professional evolution,” adding that ASLTON should shift the paradigm from silent contributors to active participants in shaping the nation’s future, where their work informs decisions, shapes policies, and transforms lives for a better Nigeria.

He explained that while Nigerian laboratory technicians generate critical data and discoveries from the bench, those findings rarely survive the journey to policy formulation. “Science drives innovation and progress, but discoveries alone are not enough. They must influence real-world decisions,” he said.

ASLTON urged the government to increase budgetary allocations, enforce laboratory standards, and invest in continuous training. It also called on educational institutions, the private sector, and regulatory bodies to collaborate in strengthening the nation’s laboratory systems.

The Chairman of the local Organising Committee, Mr. Adeogo Olugbuyi, lamented that the country’s laboratories remain largely disconnected from the policy processes that shape public health, environmental safety, and technological advancement.