SPEECH BY DIRECTOR-GENERAL/ REGISTRAR/CEO NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY IBADAN ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 36TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE/ SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS OF NIGERIA (ASLTON) ON THURSDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2021 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOS, PLATEAU STATE
Protocols
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
I am indeed glad to be invited to be part of this important Conference /Scientific Workshop organized by ASLTON which is an annual event for Corporate and non-Corporate members of the Institute taking place at the University of Jos, Plateau State.
Our last Annual National Conference/Scientific Workshop took place at Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro in 2019 while the Extra Ordinary Stakeholders’ Meeting was held at Ede in November 2020 due to COVID – 19 pandemic which gave room for members to attend virtually, we give honour and adoration to God Almighty for keeping us this far.
Ladies and gentlemen, you will all agree with me that the Institute have organized several Conferences/Scientific Workshops which have proved very useful in binding us as one family and this is the 2nd of its kind that ASLTON will organize for members of this profession and indeed 1st for this set of National Executives. We sincerely appreciate the LOC for putting resources together and ensuring that this event takes place as planned.
It is very pertinent to acknowledge the most laudable contributions of the 4th Governing Council under the leadership of Mr. Charles Obaseki for demonstrating technological leadership in all ramifications. Similarly, the 5th Governing Council under the leadership of Elder Olu-Ajayi Oluranti Michael has started on a good note and we hope that their achievement(s) will surpass the 4th Governing Council.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Institute had several challenges whereby our members in education, industry and research institutes do not work together for the common goal of our profession which has significantly slowed down the pace of professionalization in dealing with aggravated unemployment problem among our noble members. I implore all of us here today either physically or virtually to change the narrative and situation. Let us work together for our unborn children. However, the Institute will provide a suitable environment needed for us to work together to have a mutualistic association leading to the rapid growth of the Institute and that of the Association. We should henceforth, stand tall in integrity, be impeccable in character, professional in service, alert to global trends and uphold high ethical and professional standards.
On assumption of office on the 1st July 2021, new goals were set for the Institute and that of the members ranging from the issue of aggravated unemployment, manning of science laboratories, and headship/teaching in SLT Department or School of SLT which must be handled vigorously. In realization of these set goals, the Institute has begun sensitization of stakeholders for them to get acquainted with NISLT’s Mandate, Vision, and Mission as well as flagship programmes.
For record purposes, in October 2021, the University of Port Harcourt has approved Post Graduate for SLT programmes even to Ph.D. level while the FMSTI has agreed with NISLT agitations on the manning of Science Laboratories and Teaching/Headship of SLT Department across Universities and Polytechnics in Nigeria. University of jos is presently working on their PG programme in SLT. It is a criminal offence for anybody practicing in Nigeria without registering with the relevant professional body as enshrined in Presidential Executive Order No 5, Section 2.
Ladies and gentlemen, the achievements of the 4th Governing Council and my 1st term in office as DG/Registrar/CEO and Secretary to the Council can be seen on the Institute’s website.
The Institute is still not unaware of the unending rift between SLT and MLS in Nigeria, this forum should discuss this matter vigorously at the AGM, although, the FMSTI and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation are still handling the matter. At the AGM our leaders can give us solutions to these perennial manmade problems because we say that “elders cannot be in the market and the head of the baby slumps on the back of the mother”. Through them, I strongly believe that we shall gain a lot.
The theme of this Conference “Empowering the Laboratory Technologists/Scientists for sustainable Science and Technology Development in Nigeria in the face of COVID-19” will provide an opportunity for Scientists/Technologists to share with relevant stakeholders who have worked seriously in curbing this pandemic since 2020 and what SLT can offer.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is obvious that concerted efforts are being made in the Institute to stay ahead of the challenges as there are numerous laboratory players in the Country and it is our goal to improve our value propositions and delivery to the STI Community in Nigeria.
Let me use this opportunity to commend the Vice-Chancellor for his leadership and contributions to the effective management of this University most especially the SLT Department as a great center for learning Sciences.
I also commend the Registrar, Dean (Science), HOD SLT and certified members of the Institute in this University for their positive contributions in making this event a reality and ensuring that we commence Post Graduate Courses in SLT in this University. Through teaching and research not only in SLT but in other Science Courses, has indeed made important contributions to the development of our great nation Nigeria.
Let me also thank the ASLTON National Leadership (Pastor Damos and his team) for their outstanding leadership, vision, passion and commitment to the ideology of our great profession despite associated and perennial manmade problems, he ensured that the Conference hold here in Jos. The State Chairman is highly appreciated for his excellent support.
Our distinguished guests, I thank you for making time out of your busy schedules to honour the invitation of the Association and the Institute with your presence.
I wish you all a fruitful and productive Conference. Thank you very much and God bless you all.
Signed
Yemi H. Gbadegesin, FISLT
The Director-General/ Registrar/CEO
11th November 2021
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