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NISLT boss, Ijagbone urges collaborative efforts to stem laboratory equipment failure

By EDITOR
16 April 2015   |   3:03 am
Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), Dr. Ighodalo Folorunso Ijagbone, says a lot of grounds can be covered if key players in the science and technology industry take cognizance of the importance of equipment maintenance in laboratories and workshops. To this end, he is encouraging collaboration among stakeholders in addressing…
Ijagbone

Registrar/Chief Executive, Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), Dr. Ighodalo Folorunso Ijagbone, presenting a certificate to one of the participants at the recently concluded training workshop on Science Laboratory Equipment Instrumentation in Ibadan, Oyo State

Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), Dr. Ighodalo Folorunso Ijagbone, says a lot of grounds can be covered if key players in the science and technology industry take cognizance of the importance of equipment maintenance in laboratories and workshops.

To this end, he is encouraging collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the problems of laboratory equipment failures, which he said have remained a common feature in science laboratories in institutions.

Ijagbone spoke at a five-day training workshop on Science Laboratory Equipment Instrumentation in Ibadan, Oyo State, which was at the instance of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)’s Centre of Excellence for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in collaboration with NISLT.

He called for regular and effective training of concerned personnel in institutions of higher learning in order for them to place the issue of equipment maintenance on the priority list, just as he canvassed the overhaul of existing equipment in institutions across the country as “these equipment could be maintained and sustained through appropriate training courses for the users.” Ijagbone continued, “Since the manufacture of equipment is dependent on developments in technology, it is important that users be kept abreast of emerging developments through appropriate training courses.”

The NISLT chief, who advised governments at all levels to consult technical staff of their outfits during procurement procedures, added that new projects with provision for equipment should have a training component included in them as well as provision for spare parts.

Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr. Masudu Adamu Kazaure, who was represented by the acting Director, NBTE’s Centre of Excellence for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Amina Idris said there was growing consciousness for Nigerians to realise the essence of acquiring knowledge that would enhance their skills globally.

The first phase of the workshop was held in Kaduna State while the next phase would come up in Owerri, Imo State before the end of the first quarter of this year.

Kazaure said that NBTE was poised to ensure improved and quality service delivery in polytechnics and similar tertiary institutions, which would ultimately translate into quality graduates and higher productivity.

He said the training programme was designed to improve the knowledge of laboratory technologists and scientists in modern analytical instrumentation and innovations, adding that equipment and instrumentation were key to laboratory operations and efficiency hence the need to develop the capacity of equipment users and managers was paramount.

He advised participants to take advantage of the training programme to share and develop new ideas, improve their knowledge, brainstorm for positive change and take the gains of the training back to their institutions.

Earlier, NISLT director in charge of Education, Training and Inspectorate (ETI), Mr. Yemi Gbadegesin, stated that the workshop was aimed at improving participants’ skills in areas like handling hazards associated with laboratory equipment, preventive measures, acquainting participants with techniques currently in use in science laboratories as well as to improve their skills in the areas of laboratory quality systems among others.

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