The 15th National President of AMLSN call on the federal government of Nigeria to integrate Medical Laboratory Scientists into environmental disasters team during the 19th edition of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) Public Health Lecture and Special General Meeting (SGM) held at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State on 16th May 2025.
The gathering brought together key stakeholders, professionals, scholars, and policy influencers in the medical laboratory and public health sector to deliberate on pressing environmental health issues and engage in association-wide decisions.
The Annual Public Health Lecture was kick-started by the Plateau State Branch Chairman of AMLSN, Comrade Agwo Martin Dagen, who delivered a warm welcome address. He extended heartfelt greetings to all attendees and emphasised the significance of hosting the event at NIPSS, a hub for national policy discourse. Comarade Dagen drew attention to the intrinsic connection between environmental conditions and public health, noting the urgent need for actionable strategies to mitigate environmental risks. He thanked eminent supporters of the event, including Provost Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology Jos, Prof. Sunday Etukudoh, Hon. Nanbol Lustick of Plateau State House of Assembly, Provost Federal College of Ventinary Medical Laboratory Technology Vom, Dr. Chukwu O. Chukwu and other partners who played vital roles in organising the Public Health Lecture.
Prayers were offered for the eternal rest of departed colleague with a solemn moment observed with a minute of silence in memory of Prof. Tosan Erhabor, Henry Badung, Zakari Mordi, and others.
The 15th National President of AMLSN, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, in his speech, expressed appreciation for the impressive turnout and commitment shown by members of the association. He reiterated the unity and collective responsibility of the elected National Executive Officers (NEOs) by referencing Article 18 of the AMLSN 2018 Constitution (as amended), which underscores their joint election and obligation to work cohesively.
Dr. Ifeanyi also commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his exemplary leadership in Plateau State, particularly his efforts to rebuild communities, revive education, and reignite the aspirations of youths and civil servants. He described the choice of the theme, “Environmental Degradation and Pollution: Advancing Public Health for Sustainability and Healthy Communities,” as timely and compelling.
The 15th National President concluded by urging the Federal Government to intensify enforcement of environmental protection laws, clamp down on illegal mining and unsanctioned oil exploration, and integrate Medical Laboratory Scientists into national emergency response teams for environmental disasters.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Hon. Theodore Bala Maiyaki, SAN, who also chairs the Plateau State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, commended the association for its unwavering resilience, especially in times of national crisis. He noted his unwavering support for the profession, citing over 24 favourable judicial decisions linked to advocacy efforts.
Prof. Maiyaki further praised the decision to host the 19th Public Health Lecture in Plateau State, seeing it as a strategic and commendable choice.
The keynote address was delivered on behalf of the Plateau State Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, by the Chief Medical Director of Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH), Dr. Christopher Yilgwan. The presentation extensively explored the health implications of environmental degradation and pollution, citing rising cases of respiratory diseases (such as asthma and COPD), cardiovascular conditions, and cancer-all linked to environmental hazards.
Dr. Yilgwan made practical recommendations and called on responsible agencies to ensure stricter compliance with environmental safety regulations.
The Sub-theme presentations were delivered by a diverse panel of experts and policymakers, including Senator Diket Satso Plang Mnmgs, Prof. Onwuliri, Dr. Raymond Juryit, Engr. Appolos Samchi, Prof. Dakul, Dr. Chukwu O. Chukwu, and Prof. J.S. Gushit. These academic sessions enriched the discourse with multidisciplinary perspectives on public health, environmental engineering, policy, and scientific innovation.