Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) is one of the most practical and in-demand disciplines in the scientific and medical world today. As a graduate of Science Laboratory Technology, you possess specialized skills in handling scientific instruments, analyzing samples, and conducting research all of which are essential in a variety of industries. Looking for Career Opportunities for Science Laboratory Technology Graduates in Nigeria? This post is perfect for you.
If you’re wondering what career paths you can explore after earning your SLT degree or Higher National Diploma (HND), you’re in the right place. This article breaks down the top career opportunities for Science Laboratory Technology graduates, especially in Nigeria and across the globe
Table of Contents
Top Career Opportunities for Science Laboratory Technology Graduates in Nigeria
1. Research/Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technologist
Graduates of science laboratory technology in Nigeria can take up roles in research and clinical laboratories as lead scientist or technologists even though there has been long lasting controversy between the science laboratory graduates and the medical laboratory scientists with regards to scope of work. Science laboratory being a very vast field can practice virtually in all area of sciences or technology requiring analitical skills and investigatons based on the person’s specialization .
However, the SLT graduates have not always had the smooth access to diagnostic laboratories because of the delicate nature of clinincal testings. Even graduates of medical laboratory science who have not passed the board exams with practicing license awaded are not allowed to practice. In view of this, graduates of SLT should not always percieve this as descriminations but obedience to constitutional provisions.
However, services of science laboratory techology can always be hired in quality assurance and quality control capacity and not as scientists or technologist manning the microbiology/biochemistry benches.
Moreso, SLT graduates who wish to switch to the diagnostic science will always do so by obtaining useful training and certifications.
Many SLT graduates work closely with or transition into roles as Medical Laboratory Scientists after obtaining necessary certifications or completing conversion programs.
Some of the Career Opportunities for Science Laboratory Technology Graduates in Nigeria in clinical labs are:
- Analyze blood, urine, and other body fluids
- Identify microorganisms
- Perform diagnostic tests
- Help in disease detection and monitoring
In Nigeria, you can become a licensed MLS by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science and registering with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Getting a fresh medical laboratory technician certificate or taking up a new degree program which leads to the award of Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS)
2. Industrial or Quality Control Analyst
Manufacturing and production companies (especially in the food, pharmaceutical, and beverage industries) hire SLT graduates to work in Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) labs. Your job involves:
- Ensuring raw materials and final products meet regulatory standards
- Conducting lab tests for contaminants or defects
- Writing reports for production managers
This role is crucial in companies like Dangote, Nestlé, Guinness, and Fidson Healthcare, beverage and food industries. This is mainly the cheif roles of science laboratory technologist either the holders of HND or B.tech but not the hospital side.
3. Research Assistant or Lab Technologist in Universities
If you enjoy academic settings, becoming a research assistant or lab technologist in a university or research institute is an excellent path. You can work in the laboratories attached to universities, polytechnics, and college of educations; where you will have to teach practicals to the undergraduate or graduate students. Some of the roles in the lab are
- Support undergraduate and postgraduate practicals
- Maintain and calibrate lab equipment
- Assist in faculty or student research
This role also serves as a stepping stone to further studies (MSc, PhD) or academic careers.
4. Pharmaceutical or Chemical Sales Representative
With your SLT background, you are well-positioned to enter the pharmaceutical and chemical marketing industry. Companies look for technically skilled graduates who can:
- Explain product formulations and applications to clients
- Provide technical support to healthcare or industrial professionals
- Generate sales for drugs, lab kits, or chemicals
This Career Opportunities for Science Laboratory Technology Graduates in Nigeria blends with communication and marketing, offering high income potentials.
5. Environmental Health or Industrial Safety Officer
In oil and gas, manufacturing, and waste management industries, SLT graduates are needed as Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) officers. In this role, you:
- Monitor environmental hazards
- Conduct risk assessments
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations
Certifications like NEBOSH, HSE Levels 1–3, or ISO training will boost your employability.
6. Public Health Laboratory Technician
More Career Opportunities for Science Laboratory Technology Graduates in Nigeria includes Public health organizations and NGOs lab technicians/technologists roles for disease surveillance, outbreak response, and testing. As a public health lab tech, you may work in:
- HIV/AIDS testing and monitoring
- Malaria and TB screening
- COVID-19 surveillance programs
Opportunities exist with NCDC, WHO, USAID, and local government health agencies. You may work in conjuction with medical laboratory scientists or technicians.
7. Forensic Laboratory Analyst
Love crime shows? Forensics might interest you! With additional training, SLT graduates can work in forensic science labs. The various Career Opportunities for Science Laboratory Technology Graduates in Nigeria in the area of forensic science includes:
- Drug and toxicology analysis
- DNA testing
- Crime scene sample processing
In Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Forensic Department, NDLEA, and Nigerian Customs Service may offer such positions. You can explore more career opportunities in forensic biochemistryy, crime investigations, fingerprint collections, analysis of samples from crime scenes etc
You can toe this career path by obtaining postgraduate diploma in forensic biochemistry, joining the law enforcement agencies like the Nigerian Navy, Army, Air Force and the police.
8. International Lab or Research Jobs
Many SLT graduates seek work abroad in:
- Diagnostic and clinical labs
- Agricultural or biotech firms
- Academic research centers
Countries like Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia have high demand for lab technologists. To work abroad, ensure you:
- Have transcripts and lab experience
- Complete necessary licensing (e.g., CSMLS in Canada, HCPC in the UK)
- Improve your academic credentials through PGD or MSc while still in Nigeria
9. Entrepreneurship: Start a Research or Water Testing Lab
If you have the resources and business mindset, you can start your own private laboratory in:
- Basic Research
- Water and environmental analysis
- Food safety and quality control
- Chemical testing
You will need certifications, equipment, and registration with regulatory bodies
10. Teaching or Educational Consultancy
If you have a passion for teaching, SLT graduates can:
- Teach Biology or Chemistry at secondary or pre-degree levels
- Offer lab science tutorials or exam prep for WAEC, NECO, JAMB
- Work with educational NGOs or curriculum developers
With a PGDE (Postgraduate Diploma in Education), you are qualified to teach in government and private schools.
Where to Find SLT Jobs in Nigeria
Various career opportunities for science laboratory technology graduates in Nigeria can always be accessed in many job portals, career websites, newpapers and official website of companies and organisations.
- Job Portals: Jobberman, MyJobMag, HotNigerianJobs
- Company Career Pages: Dangote, NAFDAC, NCDC, WHO Nigeria
- LinkedIn: Optimize your profile and follow industry recruiters
- WhatsApp & Telegram Job Groups: Join science and healthcare job updates
As a Science Laboratory Technology graduate, your career options are vast and impactful from hospitals to industries, research labs to classrooms. The key is to leverage your technical skills, seek certification, and remain adaptable in today’s dynamic job market.
Whether you dream of working in a public health lab, a manufacturing plant, or running your own diagnostic center, your SLT training provides a solid foundation.
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