NISLT, Dominican University Explore Collaboration on Research and Professional Development
The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) has strengthened its relationship with Dominican University, Ibadan, following a courtesy visit aimed at exploring areas of collaboration in research, professional development and community engagement.
Welcoming the NISLT delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of Dominican University, Prof. Jacinta A. Opara, commended the Institute for its contributions to the advancement and regulation of the Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) profession in Nigeria.
Prof. Opara described the University as a faith-based institution accredited by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) in 2016, with a mandate to provide quality education and develop future leaders for national development. She noted that the University offers programmes in Theology, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences and Arts, as well as postgraduate programmes in Accounting and Business Administration.
She disclosed that the University recently hosted its annual conference, which attracted over 500 participants, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and character development. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need for any proposed areas of collaboration to be properly documented and recommended the establishment of a joint committee to develop an implementation framework.
During the interactive session, the Dean of Sciences, Prof. Tim Isioma Odiaka, raised concerns about the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an academic research and sought clarification on NISLT’s efforts to promote originality and integrity in research activities.
The Acting Registrar of the University, Rev. Fr. Samuel Onyiba, OP, appealed to the NISLT Management to consider rehabilitating the access road leading to the Institute, while the Head of Human Resources, Fr. Dr. Victor Ogundipe, OP, appreciated the cordial relationship between both institutions and advocated stronger collaboration in security management.
Responding, the Acting Director-General, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NISLT, Dr. Peter Adefisoye Oluwafisoye, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and stated that the visit was intended to deepen institutional cooperation and identify mutually beneficial areas of partnership.
Dr. Oluwafisoye highlighted the mandate of NISLT as a professional, research and regulatory body established by Act No. 12 of 2003. He explained that the Institute regulates Science Laboratory Technology practice in Nigeria through professional registration, certification, training and quality assurance.
According to him, NISLT has entered into several Memoranda of Understanding with universities across the country and is willing to partner with Dominican University in professional development, research and academic advancement. He noted that academic staff of the University could benefit from the Institute’s professional programmes.
The Acting Director-General further expressed optimism that both institutions could collaborate on research publications and other academic initiatives capable of making significant contributions to national development.
Addressing concerns over infrastructure, Dr. Oluwafisoye assured the University that the Institute would continue to pursue the rehabilitation of the access road. He also disclosed that NISLT is working with relevant security agencies to strengthen security around the area and is considering additional measures to improve safety within its premises.
On environmental issues, he called for collaboration among NISLT, Dominican University and the neighbouring Baptist community to address erosion and stormwater runoff affecting the area.
Speaking on the role of Artificial Intelligence in research, Dr. Oluwafisoye maintained that AI should serve as an enabler rather than a replacement for genuine scientific inquiry. He stressed the importance of effective supervision of research projects and practical laboratory-based investigations.
The Acting DG revealed that while supporting local manufacturing initiatives to improve the availability of laboratory equipment in Nigeria, the Institute is pursuing partnerships with international equipment suppliers. He also added that shared research facilities could further enhance collaboration and research productivity.
Contributing to the discussion, the Director of Planning, Research and Development, Mr. Pius Ikokoh, identified brain drain, inadequate funding and the “Japa” phenomenon as major challenges affecting research development in Nigeria. He advocated the establishment of NISLT central laboratories across the six geopolitical zones to strengthen national research capacity.
Both organizations agreed on a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in research, professional training, infrastructure development, security and community engagement.
In his vote of thanks, Rev. Fr. Samuel Onyiba, OP, reiterated the need for a joint committee to drive the implementation of agreed areas of collaboration and commended NISLT for its commitment to partnership and professional development.
Earlier, the Public Relations Officer of NISLT, Mr. Christopher Adeyanjie, praised the leadership of Dominican University for its commitment to human capital development and expressed confidence that the proposed collaboration would produce meaningful outcomes for both institutions.
