The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), has trained analysts in laboratory analysis of food micronutrients.
Speaking at the event held in Lagos, Deputy Country Director, GAIN, Dr Abass Yusuf, said the training began with a vision to empower individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field of food micronutrient analysis.
He said the course was meticulously designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that the candidates are not just proficient in laboratory practices but are also equipped to contribute meaningfully to the food industry and public health sectors.
Yusuf stated the graduates had undergone a comprehensive training regimen, starting from the foundational principles of laboratory quality management systems to the intricate details of micronutrient testing and analysis.
He said the graduates had learnt to navigate the complexities of choosing appropriate analytical methods, handling sophisticated laboratory equipment, and adhering to national standards on micronutrients and fortifiers. “This has been a journey of transformation, from eager learners to skilled professionals ready to make their marks”.
The deputy country director said the course’s structure, with its two-tiered approach, ensured each candidate’s education was tailored to their previous experience and qualifications.
He noted the training programme provided a solid foundation, while the certification course honed advanced skills and prepared the candidates to meet international standards, as evidenced by hard work and diligence.
He said the innovative approach to learning, which included self-paced e-learning modules, hands-on practical video sessions, and continuous assessments, was facilitated by a team of national and international subject matter experts. “This blend of technology and expertise has provided a learning experience that is second to none. The attraction of our course goes beyond the certificates our graduates receive today”.
“It extends to the doors that are now open to them, competitive job opportunities, the potential for higher remuneration, and the chance to explore new career avenues. The graduates are not just leaving with a certificate; they are stepping into the world as ambassadors of quality, precision, and excellence in the field of food micronutrient analysis”.
“To our graduates, I say. You are the pioneers, the first to navigate this course and emerge successfully. You have set the bar high for those who will follow in your footsteps. As you go forth, remember that the skills you have acquired here are not just for personal advancement but are tools for contributing to the betterment of public health and safety”.
The Deputy Director IPAN, Mr. Christian Eboh, who represented IPAN Registrar/CEO, Mr. Aliyu Angara, said the graduates were the very first cohort of students in the certification course in Laboratory Analysis of Food Micronutrients (LAoFM).
He said the course is a demonstration of the power of collaboration and innovation. GAIN and IPAN embarked on the development of this course about two years ago driven by a shared vision of addressing the shortage of competent food micronutrient laboratory analysts in Nigeria and a critical global challenge. “The deficiency of essential micronutrients in the diet”.
He said the two organizations came together to honour the pioneers who have taken the first step towards making a difference in these, critical areas of nutrition and public health.
One of the graduates Ifeyinwa Asogwa, (Ph.D), from the University of Nigeria Nsuka, Enugu, State, commended GAIN and IPAN and prayed that God would give them more strength to train more Nigerians in laboratory analysis of food micronutrients.
She noted that she learned a lot of new skills during the training when it comes to food fortification and laboratory analysis of food micronutrients.
