The importance of the modern practice of science laboratory technology can never be overstated because of its versatility which makes it to cut across many prime sectors such as education, agriculture, industries, medicine, engineering, national security and information communication technology in the country.

The above is the position of Dr. Ighodalo Folorunsho Ijagbone, Registrar, Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT). He was speaking during a press briefing at the institute’s secretariat, Samonda, Ibadan, on the forthcoming NISLT 29th annual national conference holding October 30 - November 2 at the University of Ilorin’s Main Auditorium, Kwara State.

Dr. Ighodalo highlighted the institute’s core mandate to advance the science and laboratory technology profession in Nigeria; ensure safety standards in science laboratories; regulate members’ practices for effective and efficient management of science laboratories; as well as inspect and accredit science laboratories in research, educational institutions and industrial organisations with a view to ensuring best laboratory practices in Nigeria.

“In order to enhance professional competences among members and also compliment the academic programmes offered by the tertiary institutions, the institute mounts, annually, series of training workshops in various laboratories throughout the country by virtue of our well equipped Multipurpose Science Laboratories (MSL) with appropriate science equipments for services, research and training in the areas of biological and chemical sciences. As a matter of fact, the institute with some agencies, under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in Nigeria, is working assiduously and packaging science laboratory model for secondary school students, to further enhance Science and Technology Education including research in the country,” the NISLT Registrar stated.

He however maintained that the capacity of the institute lies in its membership through which science laboratories are administered and managed effectively in the country. He said that in view of the progress being recorded on all fronts, the institute has been attracting new members by the direct induction of new graduands of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) in universities and polytechnics.

On the theme of the forthcoming 29th National Conference, ‘The role of science laboratory technology in food security’, Dr. Ighodalo pointed out that agriculture is a core component of the Transformational Agenda of the Federal Government, and in which Kwara State is known to have invested so much in agricultural programmes and projects.

“Although we all believe in the national efforts to ensure food security in the nation, a holistic approach should be adopted involving all stakeholders. Agriculture is the platform to make food for all of us in this country. And if we must make progress in this respect, we have to collaborate with the government to actualise it,” he stated.

•Photo shows 3rd left: Director, Education, Training and Inspectorate, Mr. Jackson Osuh; 4th left: the Registrar, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, NISLT, Dr. Ighodalo Folorunso Ijagbone; 5th right: Director, Planning, Research and Development, Mr. Folorunsho Sunmonu, and other top staff members of the institute.