A total of 141 graduates of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, were on Wednesday inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, NISLT.
It was reported that the graduates were inducted into the profession by the registrar of the NISLT, Yemi Gbadegesin, at the Ugbowo main campus of the university in Benin City.
Gbadegesin, who inducted the graduates at the 11th oath-taking ceremony, commended them for the zeal they have shown for the profession.
He said Science Laboratory Technology was designed to produce highly skilled and professionally competent laboratory scientists with practical and theoretically diverse knowledge through critical thinking and logical reasoning.
He added that the course was meant to produce laboratory scientists with the capacity to design, develop, test, produce, and maintain devices, systems, and products that are beneficial to the human race.
He also added that the profession was to produce laboratory scientists with the capacity to coordinate science-based experiments and research in laboratories and workshops, among others.
The NISLT registrar, however, urged the inductees to adhere to the profession’s core ethical conduct, which includes acting with honesty and integrity, transparency, accountability and respect for the dignity of man, among others.
He noted that the induction of the 141 students is in line with the mandate of the institute and in fulfilment of the curriculum of the SLT university programme.
“The curriculum states that graduates of the programme are inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology upon completion of mandatory professional examinations and become licensed in the fields of Science Laboratory Technology.
“NISLT has a set of ethics it expects members to apply in their practice. Following this set of ethics is one of the key features that define the professionalism of all chartered laboratory scientists and technologists,” he said.
He urged the new inductees to base all their actions and judgements on the core ethics of the profession.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Lilian Salami, said the institution is committed to strengthening its working relationship with NISLT to achieve the objectives of the programme.
Salami, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Catherine Ukponmwan, said.
The University of Benin has made significant strides in the advancement of the Science Laboratory Technology Department.
“Worthy of mention here is the postgraduate programme that was graciously approved by the Senate of the University and which has fully commenced with teaching and research.
“This is to help bridge the gap in the dearth of skilled manpower required for modern-day scientific research and interventions,” she said.
