The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) recently received a delegation from the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti led by the Acting Head of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Ogunlade Ayodele Oluwayemisi on a courtesy visit to formally inform the Institute that the University has commenced the Bachelor of Science degree programme in Science Laboratory Technology (SLT).

Speaking during the visit, Dr. (Mrs.) Ogunlade Ayodele Oluwayemisi stated that the delegation was on the directive and with the approval of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Olugbenga Aribisala, to formally notify the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) of the University's commencement of the Bachelor of Science Degree Programme in Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) and to foster a cordial working relationship with the Institute. She expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their unwavering support towards the successful establishment of the programme, noting that the visit underscores the University's commitment to operating the programme in accordance with extant professional standards and statutory requirements.

Welcoming the delegation, the Acting Director-General/Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of NISLT, Dr. Peter Adefisoye OLUWAFISOYE FISLT mnip commended Professor James Olugbenga Aribisala, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti for approving the delegation's visit to the Institute. He described the gesture as a demonstration of the University's respect for due process, regulatory compliance, and its commitment to building a strong partnership with the statutory professional body responsible for the regulation and advancement of Science Laboratory Technology in Nigeria.

Dr. Oluwafisoye acquainted the delegation with the mandate of the Institute as provided under the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (Establishment) Act No. 12 of 2003, explaining that NISLT is the statutory professional and regulatory body charged with the responsibility of advancing the Science Laboratory Technology profession in Nigeria. He emphasized that the Institute regulates the education, training, registration and professional practice of Science Laboratory Technology nationwide.

He noted that it is an error and an aberration for any institution to establish or operate a Science Laboratory Technology programme without recourse to the Institute, as such action is inconsistent with the provisions of the law establishing NISLT. While acknowledging that the University had already commenced the programme, he expressed delight that its Management considered it necessary to visit the Institute to formally notify it and initiate the process of professional collaboration and regulatory compliance.

The Acting Director-General recalled that he led a delegation from NISLT on an official visit to the University sometime last year, during which the Institute engaged with the University's Management on the proposed development of the Science Laboratory Technology programme. He expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress made by the University and commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Olugbenga Aribisala FUTES, Iyin-Ekiti, for his visionary leadership and commitment to academic excellence.

Dr. Oluwafisoye further informed the delegation that the Institute has developed Minimum Guidelines for the Establishment of Bachelor of Science Degree Programmes in Science Laboratory Technology which could be found on the institute website; www.nislt.gov.ng, a copy of which had earlier been presented to the University during the Institute's visit. He urged the University to ensure full compliance with the guidelines in order to guarantee the production of professionally competent graduates. He emphasized that Science Laboratory Technology is a professional programme and, as such, the Head of the Department or Faculty should be a duly registered member of NISLT with a valid current practising licence, among other statutory requirements.

The Acting Director-General further explained that only institutions that comply with the Institute's approved guidelines and regulatory requirements would be eligible to present their students for the Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE). He stated that students are required to sit for Module I of the examination at the 400 level and Module II at the 500 level, stressing that only candidates who successfully pass both modules would qualify for induction into the Science Laboratory Technology profession by NISLT.

He reaffirmed the Institute's commitment to working closely with the University to ensure that the programme operates in line with established professional standards and expressed confidence that the collaboration would contribute significantly to the advancement of Science Laboratory Technology education and practice in Nigeria.

The delegation comprised Dr. (Mrs.) Ogunlade Ayodele Oluwayemisi, Acting Head of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, and Mr. Dauda Oluwasegun Sodiq, Lecturer in the Department and a registered member of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT).

The visit concluded with fruitful discussions on strengthening collaboration between NISLT and the University towards ensuring quality professional education, effective regulation, and the continued advancement of the Science Laboratory Technology profession in Nigeria.