SENATE APPROVES BILL TO ESTABLISH MEDICAL LABORATORY UNIVERSITY IN JOS
Read Time:2 Minute, 34 Second
By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Senate has passed a bill seeking the establishment of the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology in Jos, Plateau State, a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s healthcare system, strengthening diagnostic capacity and reducing medical tourism.
The bill, which originated in the House of Representatives, secured Senate concurrence during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers unanimously approved it while sitting as the Committee of the Whole under the leadership of Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
According to the proposed legislation, the institution will serve as a specialised university dedicated to training medical laboratory scientists, advancing biomedical research and innovation, and producing skilled professionals to enhance disease diagnosis and national health security.
Presenting the bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele urged lawmakers to support it alongside two other health and education-related measures, describing them as critical interventions for national development.
The Senate also approved the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Federal Universities of Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
In addition, lawmakers passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Argungu, Kebbi State.
The House of Representatives had earlier argued that the specialised university would improve access to quality healthcare by strengthening local diagnostic services and reducing the need for Nigerians to seek treatment abroad.
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, described the development as a major milestone for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of strong diagnostic systems, stressing that the new institution would enhance the country’s health security and scientific independence.
Etukudoh urged the Federal Government to ensure the university begins operations without delay, noting that significant infrastructure is already in place at the institution’s permanent site.
According to him, existing facilities include an ultra-modern auditorium, administrative and classroom blocks, an electronic library, and advanced diagnostic and research laboratories.
However, he expressed concern over the lack of student accommodation, calling for the construction of hostels to support the institution’s expansion.
The provost also encouraged students to embrace artificial intelligence, saying emerging technologies would play a transformative role in medical diagnostics and healthcare delivery.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended senators for their support during the consideration of the bills, describing the process as a reflection of the Senate’s commitment to national development.
The Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, evolved from a training unit established in 1954 and became a full-fledged federal college in 2006. It has since trained thousands of medical laboratory scientists serving in healthcare institutions across Nigeria.
The proposed upgrade comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen health workforce development, biomedical research and disease surveillance in the wake of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experts believe the new university will help build local expertise, promote innovation, improve disease diagnosis and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign healthcare services.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0