The senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the Microbiology Council of Nigeria to regulate the practice of microbiology and strengthen professional standards in the field.
The proposed legislation, titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the Microbiology Council of Nigeria’, is sponsored by Barau Jibrin, the deputy senate president.
Leading the debate on Thursday, Barau said the absence of a dedicated regulatory body had created a significant gap in the profession.
He said the proposed council would provide a framework for regulating microbiology practice and promoting competence among practitioners.
“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,” Barau said.
He said the council would help strengthen the profession’s contribution to public health, disease surveillance, food safety, and environmental protection.
According to him, the proposed institution would be responsible for setting professional standards, monitoring practice, and supporting the development of microbiology in Nigeria.
Barau added that the council would operate as a self-financing institution and would not rely on government funding.
Lawmakers who contributed to the debate supported the bill, describing it as a timely intervention for strengthening scientific development and professional excellence in the country.
The senators said establishing a dedicated regulatory body would improve standards within the profession and support national development objectives.
Following deliberations, the senate unanimously approved the bill for second reading.
The legislation was subsequently referred to the relevant committee for detailed scrutiny and stakeholder engagement before its return to the chamber for further consideration.
If eventually passed into law, the bill would establish a regulatory framework for microbiologists and provide oversight for professional practice in the country.