Medical Lab Scientists Association praises Senate for approving university bill, calls on Tinubu to quickly sign it into law

The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, has welcomed 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.

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The association is now calling 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.

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According to AMLSN National President, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, the Senate’s approval marks “a historic victory for healthcare education, scientific innovation and national development,” and reflects the National Assembly’s commitment to building a stronger health workforce.

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The association is speaking on behalf of more than 150,000 medical laboratory science professionals across the country, and has commended the leadership of the National Assembly for what it described as a bold and visionary intervention in Nigeria’s health and education sectors.

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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.

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As stated by the association, “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,”.

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AMLSN has 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.

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The association believes that 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.

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It has 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.

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As stated by the association, “The evolution of the Jos College into a specialised university is a significant step in advancing this vision,”.

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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.

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According to the association, “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,”.

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AMLSN has 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.