The Bingham University Chapter of the National Association of Academic Technologists/Scientists (NAATS), has held its second annual scientific workshop with a strong focus on mentorship, laboratory information systems and entrepreneurship. 

The workshop brought together academic technologists, lecturers and researchers to explore innovative ways of improving laboratory efficiency while also addressing broader academic and societal challenges.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Aisha Ibrahim, welcomed participants and commended the guest speakers for honoring the invitation. She described the workshop as a platform for knowledge-sharing and professional growth.

The Registrar of Bingham University, Mr. Daburi Bello Misal, delivered a  paper titled “Elevating Your Impact: Integrating Confidence, Leadership and Professional Excellence into Your Scientific and Technical Roles”. Mr. Misal said technologists are not mere custodians of equipment but catalysts for learning and innovation.

 He called on academic technologists and scientists to complement their technical skills with confidence, leadership, and professional excellence to enhance institutional performance and national development.

He described capacity building as a continuous process, urging participants to stay technologically current, embrace collaboration, and cultivate workplace confidence. According to him, true confidence is rooted in competence, humility, and a willingness to learn.

On leadership, the Registrar stressed that it is defined by influence and inspiration rather than titles or authority. He urged technologists to avoid toxic practices such as micromanagement and inflexibility, while embracing transformational and adaptive leadership styles.

Mr. Misal added that professional excellence rests on competence, character, and commitment, with true impact measured through innovation, integrity, teamwork, and societal relevance. He encouraged technologists to align their work with vision and sustainability to ensure lasting contributions beyond their careers.

Rev. Henry Marcus Garba, spoke on the sub-theme, “Godly Mentorship for Academic Exploit.”

Rev. Garba underlined the central role mentorship plays in shaping young scientists and academics, insisting that excellence in research and teaching requires deliberate and sustained guidance. He cautioned that many Nigerian universities treat mentorship as an afterthought, often reducing it to perfunctory sessions within graduate programmes.

Citing the biblical account of Eli and Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1–18), he said the model shows that even flawed individuals can mentor effectively. He explained that Eli’s blindness represented the limitations of mentors, yet his guidance was crucial to Samuel’s development.

Rev. Garba concluded that Godly mentorship, when embraced, produces a generation of competent, reliable, and trustworthy scholars who can impact society positively.

Dr. Joseph Toryila, spoke extensively on the main theme of the workshop, “Laboratory Information Management System.”

Dr. Toryila described the laboratory as the heartbeat of scientific advancement, noting that without properly equipped and managed laboratories, scientific innovation would remain stunted. He explained that laboratories serve as controlled environments where research, experiments and measurements are conducted, stressing that laboratory technologists are as vital to science as soldiers are to an army.

He introduced participants to the concept of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), which he described as software-based solutions designed to improve laboratory workflow, data accuracy, and efficiency.

He highlighted several benefits, including improved data management, enhanced workflow, adoption of international standards, and faster reporting of results. He also discussed how LIMS tools like LabWare and Labguru provide flexible and secure solutions for managing experiments, inventories, and collaborative projects.

Also speaking Mr. Theophilus Danjuma, spoke on “Entrepreneurship and Community Service.” He explained that science and technology must not exist in isolation but should serve society through innovation, partnership and economic value creation.

“Entrepreneurship is about identifying opportunities, taking risks, and creating solutions that address community needs while generating value,” he said.

He outlined practical ways laboratory skills can be translated into community impact including training, exhibitions, consultancy, and product development. He also spoke on the “Cash-Out Principles,” encouraging participants to convert their knowledge into tangible services for society.

While acknowledging challenges such as lack of vision, poor collaboration, and institutional bottlenecks, he encouraged young professionals to remain resilient and adaptive.

The other speakers at event were Mr. Bassey Emmana Ekpenyoung who spoke about Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Laboratory Quality Management Systems, while the other speaker Mr. T.T. Eliya spoke on Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Tools in Academic Research.

The event was marked by robust interaction, with lecturers and participants asking questions and sharing perspectives.

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Directorate of Public Affairs 

Office of the Vice-Chancellor 

Bingham University