Francis Ogbuagu 
The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology on Wednesday inducted 141 graduates of the University of Benin, Edo State into the profession.
The registrar of NISLT, Yemi Gbadegesin, at the 11th Oath-taking/Induction Ceremony at the university campus, commended the students for the zeal they have shown for the profession.
He said that Science Laboratory Technology was designed to produce highly skilled and professionally competent laboratory scientists with practical and theoretical diverse knowledge through critical thinking and logical reasoning.
He said the course was also 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 and to produce laboratory Scientists with the capacity to coordinate science-based experiments and research in laboratories and workshops; among others.
While administering the oath, Gbadegesin urged the inductees to adhere to the profession’s core ethics, which include, acting with honesty and integrity, transparency, accountability and respect for the dignity of man among others.
He said, “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, which 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, urging the new inductees to base all their actions and judgments on these core ethics.
“The institution and students are commended for the zeal they have shown for this profession since the last time that we met for the induction under the headship of Prof. Oshomoh Emmanuel.
“In the area of NYSC mobilization, the inductees are seriously advised to go with their practising license as the request has been made for posting of SLT graduates registered with NISLT to organisations where what they learnt in school can be demonstrated.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Lilian Salami, while commending the inductees, said in the past few years SLT has grown in leaps and bounds in the school.
Salami, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, of Administration, Prof. Catherine Ukponmwan, said the school is committed to strengthening its working relationship with NISLT in order to achieve the objectives of the programme.
She said, “In the past few years, Science Laboratory Technology in the University of Benin has grown in leaps and bounds and as an institution, we are proud to make a positive impact on the lives of many, particularly those being inducted today as Science Laboratory Technology professionals.
“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.
“My dear inductees, today is remarkable in your lives. More than anyone else, you deserve our utmost congratulations on the successful completion of your programme having individually applied yourself thoroughly to the intensive academic challenges. Therefore, you are found worthy in ‘earning and character’.
“You have been certified as graduates with exceptional skills and knowledge in handling scientific instruments, data analyses, and performing scientific experiments. There is no doubt that the education and training that you have received here at the University have equipped you.
