… Says new institution will boost medical training, research, health security
By Chioma Obinna
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, on Wednesday hailed the Senate’s passage of the bill establishing the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, describing it as a landmark decision that could transform healthcare education, strengthen Nigeria’s diagnostic capacity and expand opportunities for thousands of aspiring health professionals.
The association also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant presidential assent to the bill without delay, saying the proposed university would significantly boost medical education, scientific innovation and the country’s ability to tackle emerging public health threats.
In a press statement, AMLSN National President, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi said the Senate’s approval marked “a historic victory for healthcare education, scientific innovation and national development,” and reflected the National Assembly’s commitment to building a stronger health workforce.
Speaking on behalf of more than 150,000 medical laboratory science professionals across the country, the association commended the leadership of the National Assembly for what it described as a bold and visionary intervention in Nigeria’s health and education sectors.
According to the association, the proposed institution will serve as a specialised centre of excellence for diagnostics, biotechnology, research, innovation and advanced healthcare training, while expanding admission opportunities and producing highly skilled professionals needed to address Nigeria’s growing healthcare demands.
“The new university will expand admission opportunities, produce highly skilled professionals, stimulate cutting-edge research and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to emerging health challenges,” the statement said.
AMLSN 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 legislation.
The association said the upgrade of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, into a full-fledged specialised university aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding medical education, increasing training capacity, creating jobs and positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for medical education and innovation.
It particularly commended Salako for promoting skills-based education and micro-credentialing, saying the approach would help address youth unemployment, healthcare 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,” the association stated.
While urging the President to sign the bill into law, AMLSN argued that the move would strengthen national health security, improve healthcare delivery and leave a lasting legacy in both the health and education sectors.
“It is more than the creation of a university. It is an investment in Nigeria’s future, an investment in innovation, and an investment in the health and prosperity of generations yet unborn,” the association said.
AMLSN expressed confidence that presidential assent would further accelerate healthcare transformation, promote research and innovation, and deepen human capital development in line with the administration’s reform agenda.
