Benin City, Edo State — The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening laboratory regulation, quality assurance, and scientific advancement in Nigeria through enhanced collaboration with the Edo State Government. This was made known during a courtesy visit by the Acting Director-General/Registrar/CEO of NISLT, Dr. Peter Adefisoye Oluwafisoye, FISLT, and his delegation to the Edo State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Etin-Osa Ogbeiwi, in Benin City.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Oluwafisoye expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for its support in hosting the NISLT South-South Zonal Office in Benin City, which serves Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Delta States. He described the gesture as a strong demonstration of the State Government’s commitment to Science, Technology, Innovation, and Professional Regulation. According to him, NISLT remains committed to ensuring global best practices in laboratory science through its regulatory mandate, which includes:

• Registration and licensing of laboratory professionals and facilities
• Accreditation of Science Laboratory Technology programmes
• Inspection and certification of laboratories
• Promotion of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• Capacity building and professional examinations
• Enforcement of professional ethics and standards

Dr. Oluwafisoye further emphasized that the Institute plays a critical role in national development by ensuring reliable laboratory services across key sectors including health, agriculture, environment, petroleum, education, food safety, forensic science, radiation science, and industrial research. He also highlighted the eight (8) professional options in Science Laboratory Technology, namely: Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Microbiology/Biotechnology, Physics/Electronics, Environmental Science, Petroleum Technology, and Science Laboratory Management.

The Acting DG commended the administration of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Sen. Monday Okpebholo for its commitment to science-driven governance and human capital development. He called for sustained collaboration with the Ministry in the areas of laboratory development, regulatory compliance, innovation, research promotion, and capacity building.

In his response, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Etin-Osa Ogbeiwi, reaffirmed the State Government’s determination to ensure that only qualified and certified professionals are allowed to practice within the State’s laboratory ecosystem. He emphasized that laboratory services are critical to public health and safety, adding that the government will not tolerate quackery in the system. “We are putting measures in place to shut the door against quackery. Only registered and certified professionals will be allowed to practice in Edo State. Quality service delivery is non-negotiable under the Sen. Monday Okpebholo-led administration,” he stated. The Commissioner also noted that the State Government is committed to building a digitally skilled workforce and strengthening science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of development.

Also speaking, the National President of the Association of Science Laboratory Technology of Nigeria (ASLTON), Mr. Omorilewa Ayotunde called for stronger collaboration between NISLT and the Ministry while proposing a liaison framework to enhance coordination.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bernard Aigbe along with Directors of the Ministry and members of the NISLT delegation contributed to discussions focusing on strengthening laboratory regulation, professional standards, and service delivery.

The visit reaffirmed a shared commitment by NISLT and the Edo State Government to deepen collaboration in advancing laboratory science, strengthening regulatory compliance, and promoting innovation for sustainable development.