Comfort Pius Akudiang Jos.
Minister of State for Health Hon. Joseph Ekumankama has performed the foundation laying ceremony of two critical projects in the life of the upgraded Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology in Jos.
According to him, the struggle for the upgrade of the Institution through an Act into a College has brought an end to the years of stagnation witnessed by the Institution in the country due to absence of clear-cut law establishing the Health Institution that has been contributing immensely to the health industry in the country.
He stated this during the commissioning of some projects and foundation laying of new projects at the permanent site of the Institution at Lamingo in Jos the Plateau State Capital.
The Minister maintains that, “The struggle for an upgrade of the Institution through a new act is a solid foundation that must be commended. This will bring additional funding to the Institution by the Ministry of Health.
“The founding fathers of this College were visionary and the Institution remains the pride of the Federal Ministry of Health that must not be allowed to suffer.
“As a pioneer Institution established by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health in Lagos but later relocated to Jos Plateau State, I strongly believe the College should have been given a take up grant considering her critical role as a pioneer training Institution responsible for the training of Medical Laboratory Scientists who are responsible for the providing results that are required for effective treatment, monitoring and evaluation of patients recovery. “
He said the college required the support of the Federal Government, private organization and individuals. “I hereby call on the Education development partners and agencies like Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund) to graciously consider Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos for support in the area of massive infrastructural development.”
On his part,The Provost of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology Dr. Obong Sunday Etukudoh hinted that the newly completed Multipurpose Assembly Hall was awarded since 1983 .
According to the Provost,the Institution is now set on the path of growth with it’s legal backing and upgrade that required special take-off grant due to her underfunding over the years to addressed the infrastructural deficit.
He said five projects were earmarked for commissioning by the Minister which are; “Basic Science Laboratory, Multipurpose Assembly Hall, and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory as well as foundation laying of the Administrative Blocks that will provide offices to academic and non-academic staff of the College and academic block.
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