— As Elizade inducts 13 MLS graduates

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, MLSCN, has vowed to adequately tackle quackery and misconduct in the practice of laboratory profession in the country.

Dr Donald lbe Ofili gave the promise at the induction and oath taking ceremony of the second set of 13 medical science graduates, Elizade University, ilara mokin, Ondo state.

He declared that erring professionals would be summarily sanctioned to act as a deterrent to others.

According to him “we are taking steps to reposition the health laboratory system, including the recent flag-off of the nationwide Inspection of medical laboratories.

“The aim is to identify, weed out, and possibly punish quacks who continue to invade the medical laboratory space hitherto reserved for well-trained, and MLSCN-licensed products of Elizade University and others.

“Sustained inspection of medical laboratories will also help to identify, eliminate and sanction sub-standard or unwholesome practices while safeguarding public health.

Ofili who spoke through, Mr Bukar Simon, said that “MLSCN is always willing to support training institutions to avail the young ones of the highest standard of training.

“This has positive implications for the health and well-being of the citizens.

” Therefore, our unwavering push for training institutions to put in place the right processes, equipment and infrastructure must be seen within the context of our mandate to sanitize every facet of the health laboratory system to contribute to improved diagnostic outcomes and safeguard public

He said that “MLSCN is always willing to support training institutions to avail the young ones of the highest standard of training. This has positive implications for the health and well-being of the citizens.

” Therefore, our unwavering push for training institutions to put in place the right processes, equipment and infrastructure must be seen within the context of our mandate to sanitize every facet of the health laboratory system to contribute to improved diagnostic outcomes and safeguard public health.

“To achieve the transformation of medical laboratory service delivery in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Council has also put in place a new framework anchored on collaboration.

” We are marching out to like-minded training institutions, sister-agencies, internation partners, and other stakeholders to leverage their rich experience.

Ofili added “We expect Elizade to commit to this new framework by pursuing excellent service delivery as a prerequisite for a continued cordial relationship with MLSCN.

” We will turnaround the health laboratory system to help usher in the expected glorious era for the health sector, This is what the citizens expect of us.

“Unlike in the past, citizens are now exposed to what constitutes world-class diagnostic care, and they are no longer wil ling to accept poor or average service delivery or excuses that signify nothing.

” We must be ready to leverage our statutory mandate to contribute to bequeath the culture of accurate and reliable results desired by our people.

“To my dear inductees, the authorities have affirmed that you have been rigorously Translated to fit into any diagnostics laboratory in hospitals, research institutes and industries, food laboratories and other allied fields”, implying that you have a lot of opportunities waiting for you out there in the field.

” Therefore, you must be confident, courageous, and optimistic that your future is bright. But you must be ready to hone your skills under your senior colleagues, and keep abreast of innovations in the sector through continuous professional develop ment (CPO).

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Sunday Adeyemo, asked the inductees, to uphold honesty, protect the health of those who rely on this expertise and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Prof Adeyemo encouraged them to uphold the University’s mission of producing innovative, ethical and globally competitive professionals.

He recognized the vision and philanthropy of the founder of the University, Chief Michael Ade- Ojo, whose dedication and commitment to hard work has laid the foundation for the achievement.

The Dean, faculty of Allied health sciences, Prof Omolola Dada, said that the profession of medical laboratory science “is a unique one that plays a significant role in the diagnosis and management of class in hospitals and clinics.

Prof Dada, asked the inductees to conduct their affairs with dignity and uphold the name of the University as her ambassador.

She urged them to leverage on the opportunity of the training received from the University to explore the fields of forensic science, molecular biology and the aspect of artificial intelligence as they advance in their career.

The Head of department of medical laboratory science, Dr Folusho Dada, singled out the two outstanding students with first class honours degree with CGPA of 4.58 and 4.51, Adeyemo Samuel Dada and lliyasu Hafsat Mama respectfully.

Dr Dada said that “As you are being inducted today, I charge you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

“Let your conduct be guided by honesty, confidentiality, and respect for human dignity. Never compromise the accuracy of your results. Never allow pressure, personal interest, or external influence to distort scientific truth.

“A single wrong result can change a life, a family, and a future. In this profession, integrity is not optional it is mandatory, let this be your signature, and accuracy, your identity.

“Remember that science is dynamic. New diseases emerge, technologies evolve, and diagnostic methods advance. Therefore, let leaming become a lifelong commitment. Seek knowledge continuously, embrace innovation, engage in research, and contribute to the development of healthcare systems.

“Our nation needs you. Our healthcare system depends on your competence. Your role in healthcare is indispensable. You are the backbone of diagnosis, the gatekeepers of quality results, and the silent heroes of patient care.

“From hospitals and research laboratories to public health institutions and blood transfusion services, your expertise will save lives, guide treatments, and prevent diseases.

” Therefore, Be disciplined. Be humble. Be resilient. Be curious. Be professional.

He added that “As you move forward, serve humanity with humility, dedication, and compassion. Let your Laboratory coat represent not just knowledge, but character. Let your hands perform science, and your heart uphold service.