The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria has praised the Senate for passing legislation to establish the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology in Jos. The group called the move a watershed moment for healthcare education and urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the bill without delay.
Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, the association's national president, described the Senate approval as "a historic victory for healthcare education, scientific innovation and national development." He noted it showed the National Assembly's dedication to strengthening Nigeria's health workforce.
Speaking for more than 150,000 medical laboratory science professionals nationwide, the association commended lawmakers for what it termed a bold intervention in health and education. The proposed university will function as a centre of excellence for diagnostics, biotechnology, research and advanced healthcare training, according to the group.
The institution will expand admission slots and produce skilled professionals to meet Nigeria's healthcare needs, the association said. It will also drive cutting-edge research and boost the country's capacity to handle emerging health threats.
The association singled out three ministers for praise: Muhammad Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare; Iziaq Adekunle Salako, minister of state for health and social welfare; and Tunji Alausa, minister of education. Each played a key role in advancing the legislation, it noted.
The upgrade of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology in Jos aligns with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the group argued. That plan targets expanded medical education, increased training capacity, job creation and positioning Nigeria as a regional medical education powerhouse.
The association particularly applauded Salako's push for skills-based education and micro-credentialing. Such approaches help tackle youth joblessness, healthcare worker shortages and the exodus of skilled health professionals, it said.
"The evolution of the Jos college into a specialised university is a significant step in advancing this vision," the association stated in its press release.
Signing the bill into law would reinforce national health security and improve healthcare delivery, the group insisted. It would also leave a lasting mark on both sectors, it added.
"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 in its statement.
The group expressed optimism that presidential assent would speed up healthcare transformation, encourage research and innovation, and strengthen human capital development across the nation.
