NISLT Urged to Strengthen Regulatory Functions, Maintain Active Membership Register and Boost IGR — Permanent Secretary
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, has charged the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) to strengthen its regulatory functions, maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date register of practitioners, and explore sustainable avenues for enhancing its internally generated revenue (IGR).
Dr. Muhammad gave the charge during a familiarisation visit to the Institute in Ibadan, where he was received by the Acting Director-General/Registrar/CEO of NISLT, Dr. Peter Adefisoye Oluwafisoye, FISLT, members of management and staff of the Institute.
In his opening remarks, the Director, Planning, Research and Policy Analysis in the Ministry, Mr. Fatogun Moses Temitope, said the visit was undertaken to provide the Permanent Secretary with first-hand knowledge of the Institute’s operations, achievements, aspirations and challenges.
According to him, the visit was intended to enable the Ministry to better understand NISLT’s activities and use the information gathered to make informed decisions that would support the effective delivery of its statutory mandate.
Welcoming the Permanent Secretary, the Acting Director-General, Dr. Oluwafisoye, described the visit as a great honour and expressed confidence that the engagement would produce positive outcomes for the Institute.
He explained that NISLT was established by Act 12 of 2003 with the statutory responsibility of regulating and promoting the Science Laboratory Technology profession in Nigeria. He noted that the Institute has continued to discharge its mandate through professional examinations, fellowship programmes, laboratory inspections, research and capacity development, as well as engagement with relevant stakeholders.
Dr. Oluwafisoye, however, highlighted some of the challenges confronting the Institute, including inadequate infrastructure, funding gaps, human-capacity development, limited research support, digital transformation needs and institutional governance issues.
He expressed optimism that the Permanent Secretary’s visit would provide an opportunity for strategic guidance and renewed support from the Ministry.
Responding, Dr. Muhammad directed the Institute to establish and maintain an accurate, comprehensive and active database of Science Laboratory Technology graduates, registered professional members and holders of valid practising licences.
He also urged NISLT to strengthen collaboration with tertiary institutions to ensure that graduates of Science Laboratory Technology programmes are properly guided and seamlessly integrated into the professional registration and licensing process upon graduation.
The Permanent Secretary observed that the Institute’s core regulatory functions, including professional registration, issuance of practising licences, qualifying examinations and the conferment of membership, associate membership and fellowship, provide legitimate opportunities for revenue generation.
He, however, emphasised that revenue generation must be accompanied by tangible professional value to members, particularly through continuous professional development, capacity building and other professional services.
On the issue of governance, Dr. Muhammad assured the Institute of the Ministry’s commitment to fast-tracking the constitution of its Governing Council. He stressed, however, that the absence of the Council should not hinder NISLT from carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
The Permanent Secretary further called for stronger collaboration between NISLT and the National Universities Commission (NUC) on curriculum development, accreditation and monitoring of institutions offering Science Laboratory Technology programmes.
He also advocated greater clarity and mutual understanding between Science Laboratory Technology and Medical Laboratory Science, noting that clearer professional boundaries and collaboration would help minimise unnecessary conflicts and promote harmonious professional practice.
Dr. Muhammad commended the Acting Director-General and staff of NISLT for their commitment to the development of the Institute and reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to support the Institute in fully realising its statutory mandate.
In his vote of thanks, the Head/Deputy Director, Human Resources and Management of the institute, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary for the engagement and assured the Ministry of NISLT’s continued cooperation in advancing science, technology and professional development.
Highlights of the visit included the presentation of the NISLT lapel pin to the Permanent Secretary and a guided tour of the Institute’s laboratory facilities.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Ministry and NISLT to strengthen institutional engagement and identify practical areas of collaboration towards improving the regulation, professional development and advancement of Science Laboratory Technology in Nigeria.