THE MULTIPURPOSE SCIENCE LABORATORY (MSL)

In order to fulfil its mandate and thereby contribute to the realization of the 7-point agenda of Mr. President, the Institute has established a Multipurpose Science Laboratory (MSL) at its Secretariat, Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State. This represents the first phase of our developmental plan. The laboratory is equipped with a wide range of equipment to provide an efficient and effective laboratory services for the general public, scientists, researchers, industries, farmers and students. Also, the facilities at the MSL will assist in the teaching of science practicals in both secondary and tertiary institutions, as well as serves as a centre for the training and re-training of scientists and technologists in some specialized areas of science and technology. With the laboratory in place, the need to take samples abroad for analysis and testing may no longer be necessary.

Results of preliminary trial tests performed in the Multipurpose Science Laboratory compared very well with those from standard laboratories both locally and internationally.

The process of obtaining International Standard Organisation (ISO) certification and accreditation is in place. The Institute is collaborating with other similar regulatory agencies in the country such as the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to establish synergy in laboratory services.

The MSL is categorized into two main sections covering biological and chemical techniques. In the meantime, the major equipment available for services include:

• Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS),

• Flame Photometer,

• High Performance Liquid Chromatography,

• Amino Acid Analyser,

• Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectrophotometer,

• UV-Visible Spectrophotometers,

• Photomicrography,

• ELISA Microplate Reader and

• Foss Kjeltec Analyser.

There are plans to acquire more.

The ultimate aim is to make the laboratory a centre of excellence to enable it contribute meaningfully to the technological development of the country. To support the laboratory is a library, being developed to have collections of materials and information stored in digital formats linked to other similar libraries both within and outside the country and retrieved over networks.

The Management of the laboratory is under a Director, supervising a cream of scientists and technologists who have been trained internally and externally in various relevant laboratory techniques.

THE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY

The laboratory has a main section with specialized equipment housed in four different cubicles. There are also preparatory, inoculating, incubating and wash-up rooms. With the facilities available the following services can be offered:

• Identification and characterization of some microorganisms

• Microbiological analysis of water and food products

• Diagnostic tests

• Photomicrography

THE CHEMICAL LABORATORY

This laboratory has a main central section adequate to accommodate about eighty persons on bench work. There are four side cubicles housing different types of analytical equipment, earlier listed. The following analyses can be performed.

• Seafood/Alcoholic analysis.

• Oils and Fat.

• Sugars (both reducing and total)

• Water and Sewage analysis.

The parameters under this include:

• Determination of feeds and foods:

• Soil

• Plants and Fertilizers