From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has applauded the Senate for passing the bill establishing the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos.
The Association described the development as a landmark step towards strengthening healthcare education, scientific research and innovation in the country.
It also urged President Bola Tinubu to grant swift assent to the bill, saying its signing would accelerate healthcare transformation, expand educational opportunities and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address emerging health challenges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, AMLSN National President, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, described the Senate’s approval of the bill, which repeals the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, and upgrades it to a specialised university, as a historic victory for healthcare education and national development.
According to him, the legislation reflects the National Assembly’s commitment to building a stronger health workforce and creating greater opportunities for future generations of Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of more than 150,000 medical laboratory scientists across the country, Ifeanyi commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for what he called their vision, patriotism and unwavering support for the initiative.
He also praised the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for their roles in advancing the reform.
The AMLSN president said the proposed university would serve as a centre of excellence for diagnostics, biotechnology, research, innovation and advanced healthcare training, while expanding admission opportunities and producing highly skilled professionals for the country’s health sector.
He was optimistic that the institution would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to emerging health threats through cutting-edge research and improved manpower development.
Dr. Ifeanyi noted that the establishment of the specialised university aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly efforts to expand medical education, increase training capacity, create jobs, strengthen healthcare delivery and position Nigeria as a leading destination for medical education and innovation in Africa.
He further commended President Tinubu for appointing Dr. Salako as Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, saying his advocacy for skills-based education and micro-credentialing, inspired by successful global models such as Singapore’s, offers practical solutions to youth unemployment, workforce shortages and the migration of skilled health professionals.
“The evolution of the Jos College into a specialised university is a significant step in advancing this vision,” he said.
AMLSN appealed to the President to assent to the bill without delay, stressing that the institution would not only strengthen the nation’s health security but also leave a lasting legacy in the health and education sectors.
Describing the bill as an investment in Nigeria’s future, the association expressed confidence that presidential assent would further advance medical education, healthcare innovation and human capital development across the country.
(The Sun)