Technology

Nigerian Scientists Agree to Commercialise Research Findings

By Web News 311

By Abisola Oluremi

Scientists and technologists in Nigeria have concluded plans to commercialise their findings for the economic growth of the country.

They made this known at their 38th annual conference held at IAR&T, MOOR Plantation, Ibadan.

Setting the tone for the discussion, the conference organised by the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, NISLT, in conjunction with the Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria, ASLTON, the researchers lamented that most research findings were left on the shelf due to paucity of funds.

They agreed that, henceforth, such research would now be domesticated till they get to the end users.

The researchers concluded that if such potential were well harnessed, other nations of the world would be coming to Nigeria which in turn would generate more revenue for the country.

In his message to the conference, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji assured the readiness of the government to partner researchers.

The national president, Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria, ASLTON, Mr Ayotunde Omorilewa maintained that with the current crops of technologists, the nation could migrate from an importing nation to a massive exporting nation.

Welcoming the participants, the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr. Yemi Gbadegesin explained that for the nation to attain her desired level in science and technology, quackery in the profession should be tackled headlong.

In his message, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State encouraged scientists to take advantage of the licenses issued them for the growth of the nation and not look for white-collar jobs.

Delivering a paper on the theme of the conference, “Entrepreneurial Role of Science Laboratory Technology in Sustainable Development for National Growth”, the main speaker, Dr. Jackson Oshu from Federal University, Oye-Ekiti stressed the need to domesticate findings to meet the health, science, educational, economical needs of the people.

In a remark, the Oyo State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun stressed the need to instil technological skills into Nigeria’s educational curriculum from primary schools.

At the conference, nineteen members of the association were conferred with the award of Fellow of the Institute.

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Health

NISLT Upgrades Laboratory to Level 2 Facility

By Web News 628

By Abisola Oluremi

During the Covid-19 Pandemic in year 2020, Nigeria could not provide infrastructure towards effective laboratory diagnosis and had to rely on research findings from developed nations as the laboratories that could carry out the research properly were very few.

To address the issue headlong, the federal government directed the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, NISLT, to upgrade her laboratory to a Level 2 standard.

The event held at the institute’s headquarters Samonda, Ibadan was well attended by researchers, scientists and technologists.

Speaking on the multi-million naira projects, the permanent secretary Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, James Sule, said the project would accelerate the impact of SLT on Nigerians in the area of job creation, agriculture, educational and industrial supports through laboratory testing entrepreneur.

Mr Sule, represented by the Director Chemical Technology in the ministry, Mr Meg Bassey explained that the project would go a long way at curbing the spread of pandemic.

In an address, the Director-General Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Yemi Gbadegesin said the Modern Level 2 laboratory would accommodate molecular, biotechnology and chemistry facilities for food, soil, water, air, oil and gas testing.

Speaking for the scientists, the National President, Association Of Science Laboratory Technology of Nigeria, Mr Ayotunde Omorilewa said the project would accelerate development of research findings and lessen dependent on other nations of the world.

The Project Engineer, Ademola Adebayo explained that the laboratory was 100-percent constructed with indigenous materials.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the construction of the laboratory was borne out of the advice of the then Oyo State Chairman of the steering committee on Covid-19 and former Chief Medical Director, CMD, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge who charged the institute to be relevant whenever the need arises.

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Health

NISLT Develops Test Kits for Grassroots Farmers

By Web News 705

As part of efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, NISLT has developed rapid test kits for early detection of Aflatoxin B.

Director General of the institute, Doctor Yemi Gbadegesin stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria.

He explained that the step was necessary to reduce damage of liver which research noted was on increase.

The NISLT Director General stressed that efforts were on going to ensure that the test kits get to the grassroots farmers.

On the achievement of the institute, Dr. Gbadegesin explained that eight out of the eleven universities that offer Science Laboratory Technology, SLT, have been accredited.

The NISLT Director General added that the accreditation would enable students of such institutions compete favourably with their counterparts in developed nations.

Abisola Oluremi