The Senate has passed the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos (Establishment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for Nigeria’s first specialised university dedicated to medical laboratory science and technology which is expected to strengthen the country’s diagnostic capacity, advance biomedical research and improve healthcare delivery.
The bill, which originated in the House of Representatives, received Senate concurrence during plenary after lawmakers unanimously approved it while sitting as the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Presenting the legislation, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the bill as a strategic intervention for Nigeria’s health and education sectors, alongside the university bill, the Senate also approved the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Federal Universities of Technology (Amendment) Bill.
According to the proposed legislation, the university will serve as a specialised institution for training medical laboratory scientists, promoting biomedical research and innovation, and producing skilled professionals to strengthen disease diagnosis and Nigeria’s health security. Reacting to the Senate’s approval, Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, Prof. Sunday Etukudoh, described the development as a landmark for Nigeria’s healthcare system. He said the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the country’s weak diagnostic capacity and underscored the need for stronger investments in medical laboratory education and research, he urged the Federal Government to ensure the institution takes off without delay.
Etukudoh noted that the institution’s permanent site already has modern facilities, including lecture halls, an electronic library and advanced diagnostic and research laboratories, but called for the construction of student hostels to support the university’s transition.
The Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, traces its roots to a training unit established in 1954 before becoming a federal college in 2006. It has since trained thousands of medical laboratory scientists serving across Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Health experts believe upgrading the institution to a specialised federal university will help expand the country’s skilled health workforce, strengthen disease surveillance, encourage innovation and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on medical tourism by improving local diagnostic services.
