The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) recently hosted the Acting Registrar/CEO of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), Dr. Peter Adefisoye Oluwafisoye, a Fellow of the Nigerian institute of Science Laboratory Technology and External Examiner to University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg Campus, South Africa for PhD Examination, a Radiation Health Physicist, Laboratory Research Scientist, Laboratory Manager, Coach, Human Resource Manager and Educational Technology Expert as the keynote speaker at a two-day training and workshop organized for Academic Technologists of the institution.

The workshop, themed “Navigating the Future: The Evolving Role of Academic Technologists in Research and Emerging Technologies in Nigerian Universities,” brought together a wide spectrum of participants, including laboratory technologists, laboratory scientists, researchers, and other laboratory personnel from within and beyond the University.

Distinguished Participation
A notable highlight of the event was the presence of Professor Isiaka Adekunle Amoo, a Professor of Analytical/Environmental Chemistry and a strong ally of the laboratory technologist profession, who attended the lecture session in person, lending further credence to the importance of the programme.

Keynote Address: Bridging Innovation and Academia
Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Bridging Innovation and Academia: The Vital Role of Academic Technologists in University Research,” Dr. Oluwafisoye emphasized the transformative role of academic laboratory technologists in modern research ecosystems. He noted that over the past three decades, university research has shifted from isolated academic inquiry to multidisciplinary, technology-driven, and commercialization-oriented systems.
According to him, academic technologists are no longer mere support staff but have become central to research innovation, serving as technical partners who ensure experimental accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance with global standards.
He highlighted key drivers of this transformation, including globalization of research, rapid technological advancement, funding accountability, and the increasing focus on commercialization through patents, start-ups, and industry partnerships.

Technologists as Innovation Drivers
Dr. Oluwafisoye described academic technologists as both research enablers and innovation drivers, playing critical roles in method development, equipment calibration, experimental troubleshooting, and prototype fabrication. He stressed that technologists are instrumental in translating theoretical concepts into practical laboratory outcomes.
He further explained the synergy between laboratory scientists and technologists, noting that while scientists provide intellectual direction, technologists ensure technical precision and experimental feasibility. He called for improved collaboration, proper recognition, and clear role definition to avoid professional conflicts.

Advocacy for SLT Degree Programme at FUTA
In a forward-looking recommendation, Dr. Oluwafisoye encouraged the FUTA Management to revive and commence the Bachelor’s Degree programme in Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), noting that the programme previously existed in the University as a diploma.
He emphasized that FUTA was historically one of the leading universities in producing well-trained SLT graduates in Nigeria and therefore should not be left behind in the ongoing transformation and advancement of Science Laboratory Technology education nationwide. He urged the University to reclaim its leadership position in the ongoing “SLT Revolution.”

Promoting Quality, Ethics, and Technical Excellence
The keynote speaker underscored the importance of quality assurance systems, calibration, validation, and documentation in ensuring research integrity. He reiterated that “if it is not documented, it did not happen,” emphasizing the need for proper record-keeping, traceability, and adherence to international standards such as ISO frameworks.
He also highlighted the ethical responsibilities of technologists, including maintaining data integrity, ensuring safety compliance, and protecting confidential research and intellectual property.

Focus on Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Commercialization
Across multiple modules of the training, Dr. Oluwafisoye addressed emerging areas such as digital laboratories, artificial intelligence in research, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and Internet of Things (IoT) applications in laboratory operations.
He further discussed the role of technologists in prototype development, technology transfer, and commercialization, stressing their importance in bridging the gap between academia and industry, as well as contributing to national development priorities.

FUTA Leadership Commends Initiative
The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, whose welcome address was delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Prof. S. S. Oluyamo, described the training as timely and strategic. She noted that academic technologists are no longer just custodians of laboratories but are now innovators, collaborators, and drivers of research excellence in Nigerian universities.
The Director, Quality Assurance Management Unit and convener of the programme, Prof. S. O. Salawu, expressed appreciation to the University Management for approving the programme. He highlighted the participation of seasoned professionals, including professors and experienced serving and retired technologists, who contributed to the success of the training.

Call for Capacity Building and Global Relevance
Participants were encouraged to continuously develop their technical and professional competencies to remain globally competitive and to contribute meaningfully to research, innovation, and national development.
The training reaffirmed the critical position of academic technologists in advancing university research systems. It emphasized that the future of higher education research in Nigeria depends not only on theoretical knowledge but also on technical excellence, innovation capacity, and strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
The event marked a significant step toward strengthening the role of academic technologists as key drivers of research quality, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigerian universities.