By Elijah Ugani
The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology NISLT, has today, April 28, 2025 inducted 321 graduates into the institute.
The maiden induction ceremony which held at the University of Calabar International Conference Center, was declared opened by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Florence Obi.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof Tony Eyang, Prof Obi, welcomed inductees to the madein induction ceremony and noted that “We are here to celebrate success. To celebrate milestone in the University. This administration has done enough to ensure that this department gets both technical manpower and the techniques as well as the expertise that the students needs to be prepared for global competitiveness.
“Just as UNICAL celebrate 50 years anniversary, we are also here to celebrate our first fruits.”
She used the opportunity to thank the lecturers who prepared the students for this day.
Referring to the inductees, the Vice Chancellor noted that “The path you are to take is to make you reflect on the fact that you have a role to play to make the society a better place through creativity and innovation.”
Obi used the opportunity and welcomed the team from the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology and thanked Prof Joseph Asor, for the role he has played in Biological Sciences.
Administering the oath of allegiance on the inductees, the Director General, Registrar/CEO of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Mr Yemi Hezekiah Gbadegesin, expressed displeasure with the former HOD, when he said “Although the Institute was initially not happy with the procedures the former HOD/Students adopted on the issue of professional licensure without considering that the professional registration by NSLT is based on both academic and character as enshrined in the NSLT Act 12 of 2003 of the National Assembly. We are also not unaware of the crisis and pains the students passed through in the year 2024 which was exacerbated by the past HOD.
“The technological leadership demonstrated by the current HOD is noteworthy in ensuring professionalism in the SLT Department, in fact without him today’s program wouldn’t have been possible. You are indeed a true professional and a father who always want the best for his children.”
He used the occasion to remind the inductees that SLT was designed to: produce highly skilled and professionally competent laboratory scientists with practical and theoretical diverse knowledge through critical thinking and logical reasoning, produce laboratory scientists with the capacity to coordinate science-based experiments and research in the laboratories and workshops among others.
Speaking further, he noted that “This programme is in line with the mandate of the Institute and in fulfillment of the curriculum of the SLT University program “Graduates of the Programme are inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) upon completion of Mandatory Professional Examination and become licensed in the field of Science Laboratory Technology.”
He established that “Pass in MPE is a precursor to NISLT professional registration and Induction which the university has fulfilled. Regrettably, only 10 of the Inductees did online registration making it impossible for the Institute to release their license that will be required at the NYSC Orientation Programme. At this juncture all the Inductees should as a matter of urgency complete their online registration by uploading their passport photographs and credentials (WAEC/NECO and University of Calabar certificate) without which no professional license would be issued.
He charged the inductees to be of good conduct “As our new ambassadors and certified professionals, I want to advise that you should actively and consciously listen, affirm to the oath, and commit to heart the Code of Ethics of the profession. You should assert yourselves and project the image of the profession in all areas of your endeavors. If you are to engage in private practice, please register your facility with the both the CAC and NISLT to avoid intimidation,” he added.
He charged inductees to abide by the code of conduct which includes; honesty and Integrity, transparent, accountable, competency limitations, objectivist at all times, respect the dignity of man, set good example, having the courage to take a stand as well as dress well”.
On his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Prof Chris Ndome, congratulates the inductees and charge them to go forth and make meaningful contribution in the society.
He averred that “You are the first set to be inducted and you owe yourselves the responsibility of professionalism. Network with your pears and industries experts. Go forth and make meaningful contribution to the society.
We look forward to the impacts you will make in your chosen career.”
On his part, the Head, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr Ivon Ettah, said “Today marks the a significant milestone in the journey of our department and more importantly, in the professional lives of our graduating students. This ceremony is not just a formality, but a rite of passage: a moment that officially ushers our inductees into the noble and essential field of Science Laboratory Technology.
“As the Head of Department, I feel a deep sense of pride and fulfillment. Our journey to this point has been one of growth, learning, and transformation. Together, we have built a strong foundation that prioritizes academic excellence, professional ethics, and practical competence.
“To our dear inductees; today, you are not just being celebrated for completing your academic journey, you are being welcomed into a community of professionals who play a vital role in the advancement of science and healthcare. Your role as science laboratory technologists is critical in research, diagnosis, innovations, and in safeguarding public health. You must carry this responsibility with integrity, diligence, and continuous curiosity.”
“Mr Ettah used the opportunity to commend the unflinching support of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, as well as the the Dean of the faculty of Biological Sciences.”
