AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE, ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS AND ASSISTANTS OF NIGERIA. (AMELTAN)

9th February 2025

THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE,

ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS AND ASSISTANTS OF NIGERIA. 

(AMELTAN)

Dear Esteemed Members of the Executive of the National AMELTAN

AN OPEN LETTER 

I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation to the national body for the remarkable accomplishment of establishing a National Diploma program in Medical Laboratory Science. This milestone is a testament to the association's dedication to promoting excellence in medical laboratory practice and education.

However, I am compelled to bring to your attention some pressing concerns that have far-reaching implications for the progress of the technician cadre.

Firstly, I strongly advocate for the provision of an abridged Higher National Diploma (HND) program in Medical Laboratory Science for technicians who have already graduated with a 3-year diploma, already spent 6 semesters in the colleges or polytechnic of Health, Denying these technicians an opportunity for career progression to upgrade their qualifications through an abridged HND program would be a disservice to their dedication and hard work. It is essential that we recognize their prior learning and experience, and expertise in the field over the years and provide a pathway for them to advance their careers.

Secondly, let me strongly lay emphasis in the concern issue that has been generated widespread complain of the National body agreeing with MLSCN on "NO HND" in MLS is a taboo, that will have a serious calamity on the progress of your members across the nation. Like other professions, why is it not possible to have ND, HND, BMLS, DMLS in this field? (Something is fishing). It seriously means that sooner than later TECHNICIANS will go into extinction, what will be the faith of your people. I still very much believe in your leadership, but failure to pursue this with immediate effect may give different impressions about your leadership.

Thirdly, I wish to express my reservations regarding the proposed 1-year recertification program for technicians who have already spent six semesters in college to obtain their technician certificate. While continuing professional development is essential, a 1-year recertification program is RETROGRESSIVE step to your members and your dear selves. The mission behind this move is evil, catastrophic, sympathetic, and a disgrace, hence, your leadership should never allow it to see the light of the day.

Furthermore, this program is perceived as punitive, rather than supportive of technicians' ongoing education and training.

In light of these concerns, I respectfully urge the national body to reconsider the proposed recertification program and to explore alternative solutions that prioritize the ongoing education and training of technicians. Additionally, I recommend that the association provides a clear pathway for technicians to upgrade their qualifications through an abridged HND program.

Inconclusively; let me say that a stitches in time saves nine, and you make hay while the sun shines. If the National body is reluctant in holding the MLSCN in jugular to do the right thing, then we should all be ready to let the cat out of the bag and call on Nigerians to save our souls as your people are suffering now, and looking up to you to wipe-off their tears.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and to continuing our collective efforts to promote excellence in medical laboratory science.

Sincerely,

E-signed

Osho, Azeez Olatunde 

Ogun State 

MLT 2004.