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Ahmad Tijjani
KANO — Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has sponsored a bill seeking to establish the Microbiology Council of Nigeria, a move aimed at regulating the profession and promoting higher standards of practice across the country.
The proposed legislation, titled A Bill for an Act to Establish the Microbiology Council of Nigeria, successfully passed second reading in the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary session and was subsequently referred to the relevant committee for further legislative scrutiny.
Leading the debate on the bill, Barau said the proposed council would regulate and control the profession of microbiology while enhancing the conduct and competence of practitioners in the field. He noted that the absence of a regulatory body had created a significant gap in the profession over the years.
According to him, “The bill seeks to regulate and control the profession of microbiology to enhance the professional conduct of microbiologists, thereby filling a yawning gap in the profession.” He added that the initiative would have far-reaching benefits for public health, food safety and environmental sustainability.
The Deputy Senate President explained that the council would serve as a professional body responsible for maintaining standards, monitoring practice and fostering the development of microbiology in Nigeria. He stressed that the proposed institution would be self-financing and would not depend on government funding for its operations.
Barau further argued that strengthening microbiology practice was crucial in addressing emerging public health challenges, improving disease surveillance and ensuring the safety of food production systems across the country.
However, the bill received overwhelming support from senators, many of whom described it as timely and necessary for advancing scientific development and professional excellence. Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously approved the bill for second reading.
The legislation is expected to undergo detailed consideration at the committee stage before returning to the Senate for further debate and possible passage.
If enacted, stakeholders believe it could provide the regulatory framework needed to enhance the growth and credibility of the microbiology profession in Nigeria.
