By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Scientists in the country have described research, particularly at the instance of laboratory technologists, as a leg of the university tripod that cannot be overestimated.
They are unanimous in the call to governments at all levels to prioritise better funding of research in Nigerian universities.
The calls were made during the Fifth Biennial Conference/Workshop of the Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria (ASLTON), University of Ibadan chapter, held at the Faculty of Pharmacy Auditorium, University of Ibadan (UI).
The three-day conference, held between Tuesday, 19 August and Thursday, 21 August, 2025, had ‘The Tripod Stand in the University: The Role of Science Laboratories in Transformational Research And Sustainable Management’ as its theme.
Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Ibadan, Professor K. O. Adebowale, in his opening remark, described laboratory technologists as “the unseen engine room in the university research process,” adding that sustainable research backed by adequate government funding was now more necessary than ever before.
He was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnership), Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN.
“They are not just cleaners of tables and glasses in the laboratory; they keep accurate data and take care of equipment.
“In fact, they are engine room for data generation; they handle the protocol of implementation and documentation, ensuring quality assurance, accuracy and consistency.
“They ensure research equipment safety culture and environmental compliance. They play vital roles in training students and staff,” the VC said.
The keynote speaker, Professor Abiodun Denloye, represented by Professor Olubukola Adenubi of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), spoke on the theme of the conference.
“That tripod of the university consists of teaching, research and community service. None of them must break.
“As a matter of fact, the knowledge generated in the university should have impacts on the larger society.
“Science laboratories come into the tripod of university system by being serviced to a wide range of other fields. They give us practical exposure as scientists.
“Everything seen outside are products of science laboratories, in Medicine, Agriculture, Mathematics, name it. They serve as avenue to generate data; and they play vital roles in funding that come to the universities,” he said.
Also, Professor Eme Owoaje, who spoke on ‘Strengthening Institutional Framework for Research Management: The Role of Laboratory Technologists in Achieving University’s Global Academic Excellence’, pointed out that it was only Africans that could solve Africa’s problems.
“After conducting your research, you have to make it applicable to society,” she said.
President of ASLTON, UI chapter, Dr. Elizabeth O. Joel, described the conference as the association’s contribution to training and retraining of its members, highlighting the need to bring them up to date at all times.
“We bring together experts in the science field to update us. And it serves as an occasion for self appraisal.
“The conference began in 2021. It brings researchers together to discuss developments in science and new technologies. The contributions of Science Laboratory Technologists to transformational research and identifying strategies for sustainable development cannot be overemphasised,” she said.
She identified inadequate funding as one of the majority challenges facing laboratory research in the country.
Also gracing the conference were the Registrar of the University of Ibadan, G. O. Saliu; Acting DG, NISLT, Dr. Peter Oluwafisoye; the Zonal Director (Ibadan) of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Iterogba Taiwo, among other dignitaries.
PHOTO CAPTION: Participants At The Conference.
Photo by STEPHEN GBADAMOSI.
