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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

Senate backs Jos medical laboratory varsity bill

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Approved/passed
  • The Nigerian Senate passed a bill to establish the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology in Jos.
  • The university aims to strengthen diagnostic capacity, improve healthcare, and reduce medical tourism abroad.
  • Officials hailed the bill as a crucial step toward Nigeria's health security and scientific independence.

Nigeria's Senate has unanimously passed a bill to establish the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology in Jos, Plateau State. This legislative move is poised to significantly bolster the nation's diagnostic capabilities and enhance healthcare delivery, while simultaneously aiming to curb the growing reliance on medical treatments sought overseas.

COVID-19 stripped us bare and whispered a truth we must never forget: A nation that cannot diagnose cannot defend itself.

— Prof. Sunday EtukudohThe Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, reacting to the Senate's approval of the bill.

The proposed university is envisioned as a specialized institution dedicated to training medical laboratory scientists, fostering advancements in biomedical research and innovation, and cultivating a skilled workforce essential for improving disease diagnosis and fortifying Nigeria's overall health security. The bill, which received concurrence from the Senate after originating in the House of Representatives, was described by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele as a vital intervention in the health and education sectors.

Lawmakers emphasized that establishing this specialized university would improve access to quality healthcare by strengthening local diagnostic services. This addresses the increasing number of Nigerians traveling abroad for medical treatment due to perceived inadequacies in domestic healthcare infrastructure. The Senate also passed related bills concerning the Federal Road Safety Corps and Federal Universities of Technology, and considered a bill to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Kebbi State.

This is not bureaucracy. It is prophecy. Today, Nigeria has taken a bold step toward strengthening its health security, scientific independence and the future of medical laboratory education.

— Prof. Sunday EtukudohDescribing the passage of the bill establishing the university.

Reacting to the Senate's approval, the Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, Prof. Sunday Etukudoh, lauded the development as a landmark achievement for Nigeria's healthcare system. He stated, "COVID-19 stripped us bare and whispered a truth we must never forget: A nation that cannot diagnose cannot defend itself." Etukudoh urged the Federal Government to prioritize the university's immediate take-off, asserting that "Nigeria’s health security hangs on it. Nigeria’s youth’s destiny hangs on it. Nigeria’s scientific independence hangs on it."

I call on the Federal Government to prioritise this university. Nigeria’s health security hangs on it. Nigeria’s youth’s destiny hangs on it. Nigeria’s scientific independence hangs on it.

— Prof. Sunday EtukudohUrging the government to ensure the institution takes off without delay.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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