By Divine Sam
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward advancing medical education and research in Nigeria with the passage of a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Rebuild the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos (Act 2022), and to Enact the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology Act 2025, to Make Comprehensive Provisions for the Management and Administration of the University and for Related Matters” (HB 2089), scaled its second reading on the floor of the House during Thursday’s plenary.
The sitting was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who represented the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, the sponsor, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, who represents Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency of Plateau State, explained that the proposed legislation seeks to upgrade the existing Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, into a full-fledged university. According to him, the transition will enhance capacity building, research, and the production of highly skilled medical laboratory scientists to meet Nigeria’s growing healthcare demands.
Hon. Ago emphasized that the establishment of the university would also promote innovation in medical diagnostics, create academic opportunities for Nigerian youths, and strengthen the country’s response to public health challenges.
The motion for the bill’s second reading was seconded by Hon. Ghali Tijjani Mustapha, representing Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi Federal Constituency of Kano State, who described the proposal as timely and essential for the development of Nigeria’s medical education sector.
Following deliberations, the Deputy Speaker referred the bill to the House Committee on Health Institutions, chaired by Hon. Patrick Umoh, representing Ikot Federal Constituency, for further legislative scrutiny and report.
It will be recalled that the bill was first introduced on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, during plenary, marking the beginning of the legislative process to transform the Jos-based medical institution into a federal university dedicated to advancing medical laboratory science and technology in Nigeria.
When fully established, the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, is expected to become a center of excellence in medical research, training, and innovation contributing significantly to Nigeria’s healthcare development and human capital growth.
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