In a strategic move to enhance laboratory management and information services, Kaduna State University (KASU) hosted a high-level professional development seminar at the university library. The event convened experts, academics, and technologists in a collaborative knowledge-sharing session anchored on global best practices and tailored to local institutional needs.
The seminar commenced with a welcome remark by Dr. Esther Gani, delivered on behalf of the University Librarian, Dr. Babangida Umar Dangani. She underscored the critical role of quality in modern systems, particularly in laboratory operations and information management. Citing World Health Organization (WHO) standards, she emphasized the need for institutions to align with international quality assurance frameworks while integrating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Biosafety, and Biosecurity. Dr. Gani highlighted information resource management as a cornerstone of institutional growth and warmly welcomed participants.
The keynote address was delivered by the Director, Laboratory Services, Prof. Timothy Bulus, who stressed the importance of contextualizing international best practices for local application. He lauded the seminar as a timely and impactful platform for capacity building, urging sustained focus on quality improvement across institutional processes.
Prof. Bulus praised the quality of presentations and recommended more focused, topic-specific seminars in the future. He underscored the significance of data management and discussed the Directorate of Laboratory Services’ plans to roll out certified training programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students—an initiative already approved by the university. He also advocated for the strengthening of SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme) counseling as a practical tool for student development.
A highlight of the seminar was a detailed presentation by Hajia Rabiyat Abubakar on laboratory management. Her lecture covered essential topics such as inventory control, quality assurance in lab testing, and the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) across academic laboratories. “SOPs are not just protocols—they are legacies we pass on to the next generation,” she noted. She also emphasized meticulous documentation and record-keeping as critical to audit readiness and accountability.
Addressing systemic challenges, Hajia Rabiyat identified persistent issues such as inconsistent power supply, water shortages, staff turnover, and difficulties in maintaining laboratory standards. She advocated for improved infrastructure—specifically the provision of inverters—and the recruitment of additional technical personnel to boost service delivery.
An interactive session gave stakeholders the opportunity to share insights and propose actionable recommendations. Mr. Aliyu Garba, Chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), expressed appreciation to the university for organizing the seminar. He urged the administration to prioritize proper training for staff handling newly acquired laboratory equipment and emphasized the need for specialized hires to optimize equipment use.
Adding to the discourse, Prof. Bashir Sodipo of the Department of Physics and Deputy Director, Research and Development suggested adopting educational and technological models from countries like Finland, renowned for their effective systems. In his closing remarks, Prof. Bashir Sodipo applauded the seminar’s contribution to professional development and recommended that such training be made mandatory for all laboratory personnel. He reiterated that continuous professional training is fundamental to delivering quality services.
Dignitaries in attendance included Prof. Timothy Bulus (Director, Directorate of Laboratory Services), Prof. Bashir Sodipo (Deputy Director, Research and Development), Mrs. Halima Usman (Head of E-Learning), and Mr. Aliyu Garba (Chairman, NAAT).
This seminar marks a pivotal step in institutional advancement, reaffirming KASU’s commitment to excellence in academic and operational standards.