Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos Act, 2022 (FCMLST Act)

What Is This Policy?

The Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos Act, 2022 (FCMLST Act) is Nigeria's legislative framework establishing the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology in Jos as a fully autonomous, degree-awarding institution. It upgrades the institution from the former Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos, repositioning it as a centre of excellence for training technical, professional, and skilled personnel in medical laboratory science a critical pillar of Nigeria's healthcare infrastructure.

Who Does It Target?

Students seeking academic and professional qualifications in medical laboratory science Medical laboratory science professionals and practitioners registered with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Academic staff, administrative personnel, and principal officers of the College Federal Government ministries responsible for health and education Investors, donors, and partner organisations in health science education Host communities and health institutions in Jos and across Nigeria dependent on trained medical laboratory scientists

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Establish the College as a legally recognised body corporate with perpetual succession and the power to sue and be sued Provide courses leading to degrees, diplomas, and certificates in medical laboratory science and related applied fields Produce the technical and professional personnel required for Nigeria's medical laboratory sector Strengthen institutional governance through a structured Governing Council, Academic Board, and key principal officers Eliminate discrimination in student admission, staff appointments, and College membership on grounds of race, sex, religion, or political affiliation Ensure financial accountability through proper auditing, annual reporting, and transparent fund management

Key Features

Corporate Status: The College is established as a body corporate with perpetual succession, a common seal, and the capacity to enter contracts, hold property, and litigate in its corporate name Governing Council: A Governing Council chaired by a Fellow of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (appointed by the President) oversees general management; members serve renewable 3-year terms Academic Board: An Academic Board manages all academic matters including student admissions, award of certificates, scholarships, and periodic academic reporting to the Council Provost: The Provost, the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer must hold a postgraduate degree in medical laboratory science, relevant professional registration, and at least 10 years of cognate experience; serves a renewable 4-year term Principal Officers: In addition to the provost, principal officers include the Registrar, two Deputy Provosts (Administration and Academics), Bursar, College Librarian, Director of Works Services, and Director of Medical and Health Services Non-Discrimination: The Act expressly prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, sex, place of birth, family origin, religion, or political persuasion in student admission, staff employment, or membership of college bodies Student Discipline: The provost has authority to restrict activities, suspend, or expel students; students may appeal disciplinary decisions to the Council within 21 days Financial Governance: The College maintains a Fund sourced from Federal Government grants, student fees, subventions, donations, endowments, and investment income; accounts are audited annually

Current Status

The FCMLST Act is in force, as it was enacted in 2022 and establishes the college as an autonomous institution.

Legal Framework

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; National Health Act 2014; Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Act; National Board for Technical Education Act; Education (National Minimum Standards) Act