By Divine Sam.
The Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (FCMLST), Jos, has intensified calls for its upgrade to a full-fledged University of Medical Laboratory Science, with the institution declaring itself academically and structurally prepared for university status.
The call was made by the Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the College, Professor Sunday Nkereuwem Etukudoh, during the institution’s combined Matriculation, Orientation, Graduation and Send-off Ceremony held at its permanent site in Lamingo, Jos, Plateau State.
Addressing graduating students, newly matriculated students, staff, parents and invited guests, Prof. Etukudoh described the proposed upgrade as a critical step towards strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and scientific independence.
According to him, the challenges confronting the nation’s healthcare sector, including inadequate diagnostic capacity, brain drain and economic difficulties, underscore the urgent need for a specialized university dedicated to Medical Laboratory Science.
Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Provost stressed the importance of effective diagnostic systems in national development.
“A nation that cannot diagnose cannot defend itself,” he stated, noting that the pandemic exposed significant gaps in healthcare infrastructure and preparedness across the country.
Tracing the institution’s evolution from a unit under Hospital Services in 1954 to a full-fledged College in 2006, Prof. Etukudoh described the proposed legislation before the National Assembly as a transformative opportunity for the institution and the nation.
The Bill seeking the upgrade of FCMLST Jos to a University of Medical Laboratory Science has already passed the House of Representatives and is currently awaiting concurrence by the Senate.
Calling on lawmakers and the Federal Government to expedite action on the Bill, the Provost emphasized that the proposed university would serve as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s health security, youth development and scientific advancement.
He highlighted the College’s impressive infrastructural achievements at its permanent site, including a state-of-the-art auditorium, modern administrative and classroom complexes, an electronic library, diagnostic facilities and research laboratories.
Despite these developments, he expressed concern over the absence of on-campus accommodation, lamenting that students still reside at the Dogon Karfe hostels located far from the institution.
“We have built the classrooms of a university. We have raised the laboratories of a university. What remains is to build the home of a university. A university without hostels is a body without a heart,” he remarked.
The ceremony also focused on the future of healthcare education and technological innovation. Prof. Etukudoh urged students to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), describing it as an indispensable tool for the future of medical laboratory practice.
Delivering the keynote lecture on the theme, “Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Public Health and Medical Laboratory Responses,” Dr. Obinna Nwankiti emphasized the growing role of AI in disease surveillance, diagnosis, research and healthcare delivery.
The Provost further noted that while AI would not replace Medical Laboratory Scientists, professionals who fail to adapt to emerging technologies risk becoming obsolete.
“The microscope of tomorrow will be powered by data. AI will not replace the laboratory scientist, but the scientist who refuses AI will be replaced,” he warned.
The event also featured the recognition and celebration of distinguished retiring officers, including the Deputy Provost, Mr. Frederick Olowu, and Chief Medical Laboratory Scientist, Mr. Thomas Gonina, for their years of dedicated service to the institution.
Describing retirement as a transition to greater honour and fulfillment, Prof. Etukudoh commended the retirees for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the College.
The ceremony concluded with the formal declaration of the event and prayers for the continued progress of the institution and the nation.
FCMLST Jos currently awards National Diploma programmes under the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and, under the provisions of the FCMLST Act 2022, has been empowered to award degree and doctoral qualifications upon attainment of university status.
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