FUNAAB DITTECS Trains New Laboratory Personnel on Best Practices, Emerging Technologies

The Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, February 24, 2026, organised a One-Day Orientation programme for newly employed, upgraded and converted laboratory personnel as part of efforts to strengthen its technical workforce.

Declaring the programme open, the Director, DITTECS, Dr. ‘Wunmi Abimbola-Okuneye, stressed the pivotal role of Technologists and Scientists in advancing the University’s mandate. She described them as highly trained professionals with specialised expertise across the physical, biological, chemical, biomedical and engineering sciences.

According to her, the training was designed to enhance laboratory capacity and instil professional best practices among staff.

She characterised the laboratory as the powerhouse of science, serving as a controlled environment for experiments, measurements and analysis. Dr. Abimbola-Okuneye noted that laboratory professionals play critical roles in diverse sectors, including research institutions, academia, clinical settings and private industry. She emphasised that excellence in the profession requires responsibility, efficiency, consistency and self-discipline, enabling personnel to translate innovative ideas into tangible benefits for society.

The orientation featured a forward-looking lecture titled "Essential Laboratory Practices, delivered by the Guest Lecturer, Engr. Tunde Shofolahan. He introduced participants to the concept of Lab 4.0, explaining how the Internet of Things (IoT) and predictive maintenance are reshaping modern laboratory operations. He highlighted the use of IoT-enabled sensors in monitoring equipment performance and conducting automated diagnostics.

While acknowledging the benefits of emerging technologies, Engr. Shofolahan cautioned against over-reliance on automation. “In the past, we practised five-minute pre-use checks manually. In Lab 4.0, IoT sensors can perform automated diagnostics, but they cannot replace a guardian mind,” he stated.

He advised laboratory personnel to continue rigorous manual checks before experiments, including inspecting equipment cleanliness, verifying calibration tags and identifying potential faults. According to him, technological tools are designed to complement, not replace human judgment and vigilance.

Further reinforcing the importance of foundational principles, other resource persons addressed essential professional competencies. Ms. Jolaade Adegbite delivered a session on work ethics and time management, while Mrs Christine Awe-Mathias spoke on laboratory safety and health. Both speakers emphasised the need for security consciousness, strict adherence to ethical standards and punctuality in daily operations.