EDITORIAL: RISING UP TO OUR CALLING

Abstract

Every now and then we are constantly being challenged to exhibit our professional expertise in issue of product analysis. But do we always rise up to these occasion? With many fake and substandard products in our midst, we are the last hope for consumers and even producers of these items. We exist only to bring succor to the anxiety of product quality. It is a major subject that cannot escape from our portfolio. The intricacies of analytical enterprise and its methodical approaches call to question the soundness of our calling. Analytical methods are constantly being upgraded or introduced to meet quality demands particularly from multicomponent products. Hence, the availability of current editions of analytical compendia. Analysts must be armed with these reference books in order to perform optimally. Also, the mandatory professional education training programme for public analysts and our Institute training platform at all levels must all be in tandem with current development in these areas. Analytical sciences are highly dynamic and the operatives in this area must be made to radiate the ambience. Every training programme must be properly modeled to produce public analysts of good repute and dispositions. Both in research and analysis, we must be seen to be very versatile and academic. The analytical science journal is another addition to our arsenal to sharpen our productivity. We must all patronize it. The issue of spurious analytical results and wide inter-laboratory results variations must be tackled seriously to strengthen credibility amongst the analysts. The Institute must set guidelines for methods and equipment validation programmes to ensure reliable and accurate results. In trying to build the image of the public analysts, we should not be oblivious of the fact that there are certain bad eggs who are bent on bringing the Institute to disrepute. The issue of product analysis is therefore a very sensitive one; and analysts should view it as a greater public service to instill confidence on the safety and usefulness of consumer products. The manufacturers also look up to the public analysts as the arbiter of last hope in confirming the quality of their products. Any disappointment to either party due to negligence or laxity in our part will tantamount to betrayal of trust. We must rise up to our calling.

Author

Prof. Udoma Mendie ©2013