Re: Open Letter To The National Executive Of Association Of Medical Laboratory Technicians and Assistants of Nigeria (AMELTAN) by Concern Technician

16TH FEBRUARY 2025

Dear AMELTAN National Executive;

I am writing to express my utmost displeasure and disappointment in the National Executive of the Association of Medical Laboratory Technicians and Assistants of Nigeria (AMELTAN) for their suspicious role in addressing the pressing issues affecting medical laboratory technicians.

Since releasing my open letter, on Sunday, 9th February 2025, I have been dismayed by the lack of meaningful action from the National Executive. Instead of engaging with the issues raised, they seem more interested in silencing critics and maintaining the status quo. (What a shame?)

What is more alarming is that I have received several calls from colleagues across the country, urging me to pull down the open letter. The reason? "The Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) is reportedly angry." I find it disturbing that the MLSCN Registrar's displeasure is being used as a tool to intimidate and silence critics (SO SAD).

But what I find most annoying is the call I received from the National Vice President (South West), requesting me to write an apology letter for my open letter. This is unacceptable and shows that the National Executive is more interested in protecting their own interests than representing the welfare of medical laboratory technicians.

This request for an apology letter is a clear indication that the National Executive is not willing to address the pressing issues affecting technicians but rather wants to silence those who dare to speak out. This is a betrayal of the trust that technicians have placed in the National Executive, and it's clear that they are not representing our interests.

As a stakeholder in the medical laboratory science profession, I have every right to express my opinions and concerns. The National Executive's inaction is not only disappointing but also suspicious. It raises questions about their commitment to promoting the welfare and interests of medical laboratory technicians.

I am compelled to ask: what is the National Executive hiding? Why are they reluctant to address the issues raised in my open letter?

I reiterate that the issues I raised are genuine and pressing. There should be an HND (abridgement inclusive) program for MLT, and the proposed 1-year recertification program are just two examples of the challenges facing medical laboratory technicians.

It is ironic that the energy and resources expended by the National Executive to silence this open letter, if channelled towards fighting the injustices faced by medical laboratory technicians, would have yielded significant progress by now. The story might have been different, and the welfare of technicians might have been improved.

Therefore, I am left with no choice but to issue this ultimatum: if the following demands are not met within the next 21 days, I will be forced to take further action on MLSCN on the following;

1. Establishment of an abridged HND program for already graduated medical laboratory technicians.

2. Cancellation proposed 1-year recertification program for holders of MLT certificates issued by MLSCN.

3. Inclusion of HND program in Medical Laboratory Science 

4. And that interested polytechnics across the nation with accreditation standard be allowed to run ND/HND programs in MLS.

If these demands are not met, I will petition the Presidency, the National Assembly, Nigeria Pathologist Association, Nigeria Medical Association, NBTE, ASUU, ASUP, human right fighters, and other relevant agencies to intervene and save the souls of suffering medical laboratory technicians across the country.

I will also mobilize technicians across the country to join me in this fight for justice and fairness.

Let me sound this warning clearly: I advise you to stay away from attempting to intimidate, harass, or harm any members of this group in any way. Your actions in the past few days have shown that you are not to be trusted, and posterity will not forgive you if you continue down this path.

I am prepared to take whatever steps necessary to protect the interests of medical laboratory technicians, and I will not be silenced or deterred by your threats or actions.

THE MAN WHO DIED IN HIM IS HE WHO KEEP MUTE IN THE FACE OF TYRANNY.... time is now to speak up.

Yours sincerely,

Azeez Tunde Osho

For: Concern Group of Emancipation of MLT in Nigeria

Nigerian Union of Medical Laboratory Technicians [NUMLT]