Science Laboratory Technology

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

1. BRIEF HISTORY OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) is a pioneer department in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana. It was founded in October, 1981. At inception, the department was known as Department of Science and General Studies. In 1983, the department assumed its present name following a major restructuring.

The National Diploma (ND) was the foundation programme and indeed the forerunner of the five Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes.

The HND options offered in the department are; Biochemistry, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology/Microbiology, and Microbiology/Biochemistry. All these HND options and the National Diploma programme, as at today are fully accredited by the supervising body, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The first batch of HND students graduated in the Biology/Microbiology option in the 1989/1990 academic year.

2. BENEFITS OF STUDYING SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

The National Diploma (ND) Programme in Science Laboratory Technology is designed to produce technicians capable of carrying out various laboratory analysis and practical works under the supervision of a technologist.

Specifically,

1. Assist in chemical analysis and quality control in: industry (oil, food, brewing, detergent, textiles, etc.), hospitals, schools, colleges and research institutions.
2. Assist in physics and electronic laboratories with physical analyses and the maintenance of instrumentation

iii. Assist in biological and biochemical analysis and experiments in hospitals, schools, colleges and research institutes

1. Prepare students for employment in related work such as sales, marketing, administration and management in the industries in i above and, also, for self-employment.

Higher National Diploma (HND) Programme in Chemistry is designed to produce technologists capable of carrying out various laboratory analysis and practical works independently.

Specifically,

1. Carry out chemical analysis and quality control in industry (oil, food, brewing, detergent, textiles, etc.), hospitals, schools, colleges and research institutions.
2. Carry out general chemical work in industrial and academic laboratories.

iii. Assist in biochemical analysis and experiments in hospitals, schools, colleges and research institutes iv. Prepare students for employment in related work such as sales, marketing, administration and management in the industries in i above and, also, for self-employment.

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Biochemistry programme is designed to produce biochemical technologist capable of applying laboratory techniques to complement the work of scientist in industrial and laboratory biochemical analysis and production processes. A diplomate of this programme should be able to carry out biochemical analysis in laboratories in education, food and chemical industries and in research institutes

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Biology/Microbiology programme is designed to produce Technologists capable of applying laboratory techniques in scientific work, carrying out microbiological analysis and applying the knowledge in the control and use of microbes.

Specifically, the programme offers;

1. Practical Skills: The program often emphasize hands-on training, providing you with practical skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and experimental design, which are highly valued in various industries and research settings.
2. Industry-Relevant Knowledge: The course is designed to align with industry needs, ensuring that you acquire relevant knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, environmental science, and more.

• Employability: Completing a biology/ microbiology course in a Polytechnic enhances your employability by equipping you with specialized skills sought after by employers in fields such as biomedical research, clinical laboratories, quality control, and environmental monitoring.

1. Internship Opportunities: The program often incorporate internships or work placements, providing valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities that can lead to job offers upon graduation.
2. Career Advancement: A Polytechnic education in biology/ microbiology can serve as a stepping stone for further education and career advancement, including pursuing higher degrees such as Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees, or professional certifications in related specialized areas.
3. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The program foster an entrepreneurial mindset by encouraging innovation and problem-solving skills, empowering you to explore entrepreneurial ventures in areas such as biotechnology startups, environmental consulting, or healthcare services.

• Specialized Training: Polytechnic institutions often offer specialized training in niche areas of biology/ microbiology, allowing you to focus on specific fields of interest such as medical laboratory technology, Biotechnology, industrial microbiology, or bioprocessing, which can lead to specialized career opportunities.
• Career Diversity: The skills and knowledge gained from a Polytechnic biology/ microbiology course open doors to diverse career paths, including laboratory technician, research assistant, quality control analyst, environmental health officer, biomedical technologist, and more.

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Biochemistry/Microbiology and Chemistry/Biochemistry is designed to produce technologist capable of applying laboratory techniques as contained in the single programme above.

3. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO GAIN ADMISSION INTO THE PROGRAMME
4. National Diploma (ND)

The minimum entry requirement into the National Diploma in Science and Laboratory Technology programme is four Credit level passes in Senior Certificate Examination (SSCE) or National Examination Council (NECO) in not more than two sittings. The subjects must include the following: Mathematics and any two of the following: Biology or Agricultural Science, Chemistry and Physics. Entrants must possess at least credit grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English Language. Candidates who have successfully completed the Board’s recognized Pre-National Diploma (Science and Technology) course may be admitted into the programme.

1. Higher National Diploma (HND)

The minimum entry requirement into Higher National Diploma programme is at least a lower credit level pass in National Diploma (ND) in Science Laboratory Technology and a minimum of twelve (12) months of supervised industrial experience.

In exceptional cases, ND diplomates with a pass (CGPA of 2.00 – 2.49) grade but has two or more years of cognate working experience (Industrial Experience) in the specific field may be considered for admission into the HND programme.

4. HEADS OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT FROM INCEPTION TILL DATE
5. Late Sir, G. I. Amasiatu
6. George Ina

• Late Prof. Cyprian Emeluwa Okoli

1. Late Sir, Ogburubi Ibe-Uro
2. V. N. Nwachukwu
3. C. C. Njoku

• M. C. Okafor
• A. A. Esonwune

1. Mrs. S. N. Ezem
2. D. O. Uchendu