THE Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) recently concluded its annual National Conference and Scientific Workshop, with an appeal to stakeholders involved in Science and Technology (S&T), to engage in meaningful and productive research that would turn-around Nigeria's economy.Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Okon Bassey Ewa who made the appeal, also tasked S&T stakeholders to embrace cutting edge research that would solve some of the challenges in the country.Represented by the Director, Planning Research and policy Analysis, Mr. Ochapa Ogenyi,the Minister described the theme of the Conference: 'Prospects and Challenges of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) Profession in Nigeria' as 'timely and relevant.'He maintained that S&T provides raw data for policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. He said: 'systematic utilization and application of Science and Technology has generally improved the living standards of the populace as well as change the face of the global world. This is why many countries all over the world have embraced it as a road map for national development'.In his lecture titled: 'Prospects and Challenges of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) Profession in Nigeria', the Guest Lecturer and Vice Chancellor of Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Tola Badejo was of the opinion that the future of the SLT profession is bright if the obstacles, which he said were known to SLT professionals, were confronted by the Association of Science Laboratory Technologist of Nigeria (ASLTON)He observed that over the years, professionals and Technologists have been sidelined when decisions on matters affecting are taken. 'My 30 years experience as a lecturer in the University system has revealed that some of them develop lackluster attitude many years before retirement. They are forced by circumstances to feel comfortable with general routine work, which are meant for technicians rather than acquaint themselves with latest information on their profession. This trend must be discouraged and could only be wiped-off by synergistic activities of NISLT as a professional body and their various Unions.'Besides, Badejo attributed some of the lapses in the system to the inability of technologists to effectively perform their duties related to tertiary institutions 'because they are being pushed aside when it comes to imparting practical knowledge to students.'This trend, according to him, has led to deficiency in the teaching and learning process. His words: 'This has encouraged complacency on some critical issues that border on professionalism. He is therefore underutilized since he is not given enough freedom to develop himself and display his worth. He is sometimes denied the chance to develop himself academically and technically in many tertiary institutions' he said.On the way forward, Badejo reaffirmed the importance of technologists, insisting that their names be included in the output of team research work they are involved in, as well as teach and grade students in practical classes.He said: 'Technologists should not be seen as non-academic or pseudo-academic staff in tertiary institutions. Rather, classroom lecturers should collaborate with laboratory technologists/scientists in research, as this would go a long way to make laboratory technologists/scientists to be more challenged and productive. There should be continuous training and re-training of technologists/scientists in tertiary institutions'.Meanwhile, the Director-General of National Centre for Technology Management, (NACETEM) Dr. Willie O. Siyanbola who was represented by the Head Technology Innovation and Enterprise Studies, Dr. (Mrs.) Helen Aderemi admitted that Nigeria needs to diversify her economy from resource-based to knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.Siyanbola who spoke on 'Science Laboratory Technology: A Tool For Entrepreneurial Development,' explained that to achieve the development in the sector, entrepreneurial courses should be entrenched in the curriculum in tertiary institutions, while the nation should also cultivate a global outlook in its industrial sectors.Also, the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Prof. Bamidele Omole who was represented by the Chairman Committee of Deans Prof. F.O Fadare stress on the need for government to continue to fund research and development by equipping research laboratories and releasing fund for training and re-training of technologists.Director-General of NISLT, Dr. Ighodalo Ijagbone restated the Institute's commitment to initiate policies that would ensure that the common occurrence of infrastructural decay found in educational institutions were reversed to achieve the desired results.In its effort to key into Mr. President's Transformation Agenda, he noted that the Institute has evolved a roadmap to make laboratory facilities operate in line with global best practices.While giving assurance of the institute's resolve to strengthen its regulatory activities in institutions of higher learning, he said the failure rate among school pupils in the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) was of great concern to the Institute.One of the strategies so far adopted to address this trend, according to him, is to disallow schools without accredited functional laboratories to enter candidates for the examinations. He said the modalities for implementation would be worked out with both the Federal and State Ministries of Education.His words: 'Already we have designed a prototype laboratory model for secondary school practicals for basic sciences comprising a laboratory suite; bench and working space to accommodate thirty (30) students; essential facilities and services; chemicals and reagents and minor laboratory equipment at a cost of twelve million naira. I hereby call on State Governments to liase with the Institute to acquaint them with what to do and how to go about putting up a standard laboratory'.In a communiqu issued at the end of the Conference, members were charged to uphold utmost ethical and professional standards to ensure acceptable laboratory results that could be applicable for policy decisions and development as well as putting in place measures to ensure good working conditions for physiology/pharmacology option graduates working in the Hospitals.
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