NISLT tasks laboratory technologists on professionalism
The Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), has advised Science Laboratory Technologists (SLT) in the country to always exhibit professionalism.
Elder Olu-Ajayi Michael, chairman of the 5th Governing Council of the institute gave the advice at the opening of the 36th Annual National Conference/Scientific Workshop of the Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria (ASLTON), on Thursday in Jos.
He noted that upholding profession ethics would enable practitioners to be able to contribute their quarter to the growth of science and technology in Nigeria.
Michael urged technologists to engage more in researches that would address all forms of health challenges facing the country.
He also advised technologists to make meaningful contribution that would add to the body of knowledge and policy decision and development of the nation.
“It is a known fact that science and technology has indeed changed the face of this world, Which underscores why many countries all over the world have embraced science and technology as road map for national development.
“As current chairman of council, my concern and focus will be directed towards making our researches and findings from the laboratories relevant and accessible for national growth and development, especially in the face of COVID-19 pandemic and other unknown diseases that might occur in future.
“As practitioners in the field, you all must uphold ethical and professional standard in generating laboratory data that are acceptable and applicable for policy decision and development.
“This calls for total commitments with modern laboratory techniques and recent innovations to meet international standard,” he said.
On his part, Yemi Gbadegesin, the Director – General/Registrar of NISLT, called on stakeholders to use the conference to address the ongoing rift between the Science Laboratory Technologists (SLT) and Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) in the country.
“The institute is still not unaware of the unending rift between SLT and MLS in Nigeria, this forum should discuss this matter vigorously at this AGM.
“Our leaders can give us the solution to these perennial man-made problems,” he said.
The D-G called on those practising without registration with the relevant professional body to do so, insisting that such practices constitutes serious offence.
He added that the institute had made concerted efforts to be afloat and cope with the imminent challenges, hence the call for support from professionals to move on.
In his welcome address, Damos Sylvanus, the National President of ASLTON, said the conference was apt.
He said the conference would further advance and promote the course of the profession in both the public and private sectors of the economy.
Sylvanus said that issues of job and wealth creation, irreversible industrialisation, inclusive and sustainable development for national growth, among others would be discussed at the conference.
He called on participants to be attentive and contribute meaningfully in order to come out with meaningful resolutions at the end of the conference.
It was reported that the event organised in collaboration with NISLT, has the theme: “Empowering the Laboratory Technologists/Scientists for Sustainable Science and Technology Development in Nigeria in the Face of COVID-19.”
