The idea of establishing a professional body of Science Technologists to manage and maintain institutional and industrial laboratories in Nigeria was proposed in July 1971 by the then Federal Commissioner of Education late Mr. A. Y. Eke. This proposal materialized when on 25th of March, 1972 the Nigerian. Institute of Science Technology (NIST) the forerunner of the present Institute was inaugurated in Ibadan. Within a few years of its existence, the Institute earned for itself great recognition among science technologists working in various laboratories of tertiary educational institutions, research centers, health, industries, petrochemicals, agriculture, and telecommunications. In the spirit of the mandate of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), the vision and mission of the Institute have been refocused as:

Vision

• To cause rapid development of the nation through science laboratory technology.

Mission

• To advance Science Laboratory Technology profession in Nigeria.
• To maintain high ethical standards in science laboratory technology practice.
• To manage efficiently and effectively science laboratories in the context of the National Science Technology and Innovation System.