NSLT seek adequate
support for labouratories
LORITA Chigbo
Two-Day Annual National
Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory
Technology (NISLT) has ended in Benin City, Edo State Capital,
with emphasis on government ensuring adequate funding of
institutional laboratories across the country.
Declaring the Conference
open, the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Mrs. Grace
Ekpiwhere (mni) who was represented by the Permanent Secretary
Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Engr. R.N Okenwa
called on the Institute to intensify efforts to reposition the
laboratory in order to achieve the Seven –Point Agenda of the
present administration.
Commending the Institute
for the achievements recorded so far, she urged it to also
address the issue of human capacity development, to produce good
research and development needed in the laboratories. She pledged
her ministry’s support to the Institute to help it achieve its
core mandate.
Speaking at the occasion,
the Guest Speaker, Prof. John Okhuaya, Professor of Mycology,
University of Benin, decried the dilapidated state of
laboratories in private and public sector as well as challenges
facing Science Laboratory Technology Profession in Nigeria.
He noted retirement of
highly trained technologists, youths not willing to take science
courses, lack of adequate modern equipment in teaching and
research laboratories as well as poor funding of laboratories
nationwide, as factors militating against the progress of the
profession. He however recommended proper incorporation of the
programme into the university system and urged the Federal
Government to allocate adequate funds to institutional
laboratories so as to make them functional.
He said "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.
While he stated that
Science Laboratory Technology Profession must be strengthened so
that it continues to make contribution to national development,
he advised members of the profession to resist the temptation of
abandoning the profession after obtaining higher degrees.
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
Institutes 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.
He said: "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.
According to him, 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 said "the projection
and prospect of this facility will have positive impact on
science and technology delivery in this country 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 (STEP B) for
human capacity development and that plans have been put in place
to execute the project.
He said the Institute has
also entered into partnership with some overseas companies and
institutions to assist in human capacity development.
The then Governor of Edo
State, Senator (Prof.) Osariemen Osunbor (KSC), who was
represented by the Permanent Secretary State Ministry of Health,
Dr Imoke, congratulated the President, members of the executives
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.
He said "My administration
will continue to improve the working environment in
Universities, research institutes and training institutions to
encourage research, teaching and service delivery. We are
partnering with all who share our objectives and also ensure
that our State University meets NUC accreditation requirements
for all courses; Science Laboratories are also being upgraded in
this regard".
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 Nigeria Institute of
Science Laboratory Technology, as a professional membership
body, meets annually in fulfillment of its core mandate of
advancing science laboratory technology profession in Nigeria.
The sub-theme of the 24th annual conference, which attracted
participants across the federation, include: Infrastructural
Development in the Laboratory, Human Capacity Development in the
Laboratory and Institutionalising Quality Assurance System in
Science Equipment Management.
Caps for the pix-from the
right, President and chairman of council, Mr. Samuel Akanji, The
Director-General/GEO/Registrar of NISLT, Dr. Ighodalo Folorunso
Ijagbone, VP of NISLT Council Dr. S.I Umeh and the Former
Minister of Science and Technology, Chief (Prof.) Emovon at a
courtesy visit to Oba of Benin during NISLT Conference in Edo
state.
