CC™ PersPective
By Chioma Obinna
Forty-five medical laboratory science graduates, including two from Ladoke Akintola University, were inducted into the profession by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Representing MLSCN Registrar/CEO Professor Tosan Erhabor, Dr. Gregory Uchuno, emphasised the council’s commitment to regulating and advancing the profession.
Uchuno congratulated the graduates and highlighted the 12 students who achieved first-class honors, including top graduate Akinkwa Joshua.
He expressed hope that their success would inspire future generations of medical laboratory scientists.
The MLSCN also pledged to reward the best graduating students.
Addressing the audience, Uchuno praised UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Professor Folashade and her team for their contributions to the growth of the Medical Laboratory Science program.
He urged training institutions to collaborate with the MLSCN to develop professionals who can address the challenges in the Nigerian health sector.
He stressed the importance of improving local healthcare infrastructure and services to reduce the trend of citizens seeking medical care abroad.
“It is our priority, it is our patriotic duty, to change the unflattering narrative of a few citizens continually seeking quality diagnosis in other climes, while the rest bemoan the existential lack of access to quality healthcare,” Uchuno stated.
He also acknowledged the support received from senior medical laboratory scientists who continue to contribute their expertise to the MLSCN.
Uchuno encouraged the inductees to embrace the opportunities ahead and to gain practical experience before venturing abroad.
“Classroom work is not like bench work,” he cautioned, emphasising the importance of skill development. While acknowledging the trend of professionals seeking opportunities abroad, he urged them to contribute to the Nigerian health sector before leaving.
He suggested that improved equipment, salaries, and overall working conditions could help retain talent within the country. He revealed that out of the 47,000 medical laboratory scientists trained in Nigeria, approximately 20,000 have left the country.
Speaking, the Guest lecturer, Anyanwu Ikechukwu Charles of DCL Laboratory Products Ltd., challenged the graduates to contribute to national development. He emphasised the need for patriotism and urged them to bring back their acquired knowledge and skills to Nigeria.
He encouraged the graduates to consider establishing mega-laboratories rather than numerous smaller ones to improve quality control and resource utilisation.
“It is not all about making money. It is also about national development. It’s about tomorrow. It’s about our youth. It’s about the future of the country,” Anyanwu stated.
Speaking, Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science at UNILAG, Professor Kolawole Oyedeji, presented the 43 UNILAG and 2 LAUTECH graduates.
He highlighted the remarkable achievement of the graduating class, with approximately 30 percent earning first-class honors, a testament to the dedication of the faculty.
He declared that the department, in its 8th induction, is a leading force in medical laboratory science education in Nigeria, producing highly sought-after professionals globally.
On his part, the best graduating student, Joshua Adepoju, shared his journey to medical laboratory science, explaining that his initial interest in medicine and surgery led him to discover his passion for laboratory research.
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