The Faculty of Science Laboratory Technology (FSLT), University of Ilesa (UNILESA), has successfully held its maiden Faculty Lecture, bringing together academics, students, researchers, laboratory professionals, industry experts and policymakers to discuss the strategic role of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) in Nigeria's industrial and economic development. The landmark lecture, themed "The Relevance of the Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) Profession in Advancing Industrial Breakthrough and Wealth Creation for National Development," featured the Acting Director-General/Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), Dr. Peter Adefisoye Oluwafisoye, FISLT, MNIP, as the Guest Lecturer.

In her welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Science Laboratory Technology, Professor Fausat Kikelomo Ola-Mudathir, described the lecture series as a major milestone in the history of the Faculty. She encouraged students to complement their academic pursuits with entrepreneurial skills, stressing that Science Laboratory Technology offers enormous opportunities for innovation, self-employment and national development.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Professor Taiwo Asaolu, who was represented by Professor Abel Kolawole Oyebamiji, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, congratulated the Faculty on the successful organization of its first Faculty Lecture. He commended the rapid growth of the Faculty and urged Science Laboratory Technology students to embrace the profession with dedication, creativity and innovation in order to contribute meaningfully to industrial advancement and national prosperity. He thereafter declared the lecture open.

Earlier, Mr. Olawumi Samuel presented the profile of the Guest Lecturer, highlighting Dr. Oluwafisoye's outstanding academic and professional accomplishments. He described him as a renowned Radiation Health Physicist, Laboratory Research Scientist, Human Resource Manager, Educational Technology Expert, Electronics and Instrumentation Specialist, and Laboratory Management Consultant. He also highlighted Dr. Oluwafisoye's extensive experience spanning over twenty-five years in teaching, research, laboratory management, radiation protection, calibration, instrumentation, quality assurance, professional regulation and university administration. The audience was informed of his numerous national and international recognitions, professional fellowships, publications, and his instrumental role in the establishment and advancement of Science Laboratory Technology education and regulation in Nigeria.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Peter Adefisoye Oluwafisoye described Science Laboratory Technology as the application of scientific principles, laboratory techniques, instrumentation, quality systems and technological innovations in supporting scientific research, industrial production, healthcare, environmental management, education and sustainable national development. He explained that the profession encompasses several specialised disciplines, including Chemical, Biological, Physics, Electronics, Environmental, Petroleum, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Food, Health, Radiation, Water, Forensic, Instrumentation and Calibration, and Quality Assurance Laboratory Technology. Dr. Oluwafisoye emphasized that Science Laboratory Technology remains the backbone of industrial growth, explaining that reliable laboratory services are indispensable to manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, Health, food production, oil and gas, agriculture, mining, construction and the energy sector. According to him, laboratory professionals play vital roles in raw material testing, product development, quality assurance, equipment calibration, regulatory compliance, research support and technological innovation.

Speaking on wealth creation, he identified numerous employment and entrepreneurship opportunities available to Science Laboratory Technology professionals, including the establishment of analytical laboratories, calibration centres, environmental consulting firms, food and water testing laboratories, laboratory equipment maintenance companies, scientific supply businesses, biotechnology startups and laboratory design consultancy services.

The Guest Lecturer further highlighted the transformative impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Smart Sensors, the Internet of Things, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Big Data Analytics and Biotechnology on modern laboratory practice. He urged students and professionals to embrace these technologies in order to remain globally competitive.

On quality infrastructure, Dr. Oluwafisoye stressed that accreditation, metrology, calibration, standardization, validation and proficiency testing remain indispensable for industrial competitiveness, export promotion, consumer confidence and international acceptance of laboratory results.

Addressing the future of Science Laboratory Technology education, he emphasized that every Science Laboratory Technology Department should be staffed by professionally qualified personnel who possess Science Laboratory Technology qualification, are duly registered with the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), and hold valid Professional Practising Licences. According to him, this requirement is essential for maintaining academic standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and producing globally competitive graduates.

Dr. Oluwafisoye advocated increased investment in laboratory infrastructure, research funding, entrepreneurship development, stronger university-industry partnerships and continuous professional development for laboratory personnel.

The event featured an engaging interactive session during which participants discussed strategies for positioning Science Laboratory Technology as a catalyst for Nigeria's industrialization agenda, wealth creation and sustainable economic development.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Programme Organising Committee, Professor J. O. Arawande, expressed profound appreciation to the Guest Lecturer for delivering what he described as an inspiring, thought-provoking and eye-opening lecture. On behalf of the Dean and the entire Faculty of Science Laboratory Technology, he also thanked the University Management, invited guests, members of staff, students and other participants for their support and attendance, expressing confidence that the maiden lecture would become a flagship academic event of the Faculty.

The maiden Faculty Lecture concluded with a renewed commitment by the University of Ilesa and the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology to strengthen Science Laboratory Technology education, professional practice, innovation and entrepreneurship as critical drivers of Nigeria's industrial transformation and sustainable national development.