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  • Two bag First Class as UI, MLSCN induct 27 graduands

    Two bag First Class as UI, MLSCN induct 27 graduands

    Two graduands, Agboola Ridwan Ayomide and Okunade Peace Oluwaseun, bagged first-class honors out of a list of 27 graduands in the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI). 

    The graduands were inducted into the Medical Laboratory Science profession at an event held at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre, College of Medicine, CoMUI, attended by families, friends, and health leaders.

    Emphasising the importance of the profession to the medical and health sector, both the University of Ibadan and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) reiterated their commitment to upholding ethical standards and excellence in the production of medical professionals.

    The Vice Chancellor of UI, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who was the Chairman of the occasion, lauded the graduates for their resilience throughout the six-year academic journey. Highlighting the indispensable role of laboratory scientists, he noted that up to 70 percent of medical decisions rely on laboratory results, indicating that the profession is vital to the healthcare system.

    Charging the graduands, he said: “As you are formally inducted today, understand the profound significance of the profession you are entering. You are not merely technicians; you are scientists, diagnosticians, and vital pillars of modern healthcare. You are disease detectives, providers of the critical data upon which up to 70 percent of medical decisions are made.

    “The recent global pandemic has shone an unprecedented light on your profession. The world saw, in real-time, the indispensable role of skilled laboratory scientists in tracking a virus, diagnosing infection, and guiding public health responses. You are entering a profession whose value and necessity have never been clearer.

    “The healthcare challenges facing Nigeria and the world, from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases, from antimicrobial resistance to the need for affordable, accessible diagnostics, demand the expertise and dedication you now possess. We challenge you not just to be practitioners but to be innovators, researchers, leaders, and advocates for the vital role of the laboratory in building healthier communities and a strong nation.”

    Read Also: MLSCN reaffirms sub-regional college’s strategic partnership

    Before inducting the new professionals, the Registrar/CEO of MLSCN, Dr. Donald Ofili, represented by the Deputy Director, Dr. Akinola Olugbenga, emphasized the Council’s zero-tolerance for substandard practices. He called on the public to report unaccredited laboratories, assuring that the Council actively inspects and sanctions erring establishments to safeguard public health.

    The Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, described the BMLS graduands as pivotal players in preserving life through science, reminding them that every test, slide, and result has far-reaching implications for diagnosis and treatment. He encouraged humility, teamwork, and giving back to the university community.

    The Head of the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Professor Olayinka Omotosho, congratulated the inductees and lauded the rigorous training of the BMLS program at UI. He emphasized the critical role of discipline, ethical responsibility, and precision in the profession.

    The newly qualified medical laboratory scientists took the professional oath administered by the MLSCN, symbolizing their formal entry into the profession and commitment to uphold its ethical and technical standards.

    The Valedictorian, Agboola, expressed heartfelt appreciation to God, his parents, lecturers, and peers. He dedicated the success of the Class Vencedores (Spanish for “Victors”) to their shared resilience, calling on his colleagues to remain committed to professionalism and service.

  • MLSCN reaffirms sub-regional college’s strategic partnership

    MLSCN reaffirms sub-regional college’s strategic partnership

    The Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr. Donald Ofili, has charged fellows of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS) to take an active role in promoting regional cooperation and cross-border knowledge sharing, particularly in advancing diagnostic medicine.

    Dr. Ofili underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge innovations in reshaping medical laboratory services across the continent.

    Ofili, while addressing participants in Lagos on Tuesday at the 5th Regional Conference of WAPCMLS, themed Advancing Diagnostics and Medical Laboratory Services Using Cutting Edge Innovations and AI: African Agenda, said, “The convergence of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge innovations presents unprecedented opportunities for transforming medical laboratory services.

    “It is imperative that WAPCMLS continues to lead the charge in strengthening laboratory advancement across West Africa, harnessing these new frontiers for the benefit of our communities.”

    At the conference that attracted participants and thought leaders from across the region, offering a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and shared action in strengthening laboratory medicine and healthcare delivery across the continent.

    He emphasized the importance of collaboration among professionals across the region in supporting the mission of the West African Health Organization (WAHO).

    Noting that the renewed pledge between MLSCN and WAPCMLS is a strategic move to unify West Africa’s medical laboratory science community around emerging technologies, regulatory reforms, and innovation-driven diagnostics, he said, “This collaborative spirit will be crucial in complementing the vital work of WAHO in promoting health and well-being across our member states.

    “By sharing your expertise and working together, you can collectively elevate the standard of medical laboratory services and contribute to a healthier West Africa.”

    The Acting Registrar used the platform to reaffirm MLSCN’s longstanding commitment to the growth and success of the College, describing the partnership as one rooted in shared ideals of excellence, innovation, and regional integration.

    “The theme of this conference resonates deeply with the mission and vision of MLSCN. As a regulatory body, MLSCN is charged with the critical responsibility of maintaining standards in medical laboratory practice in Nigeria.

    “Our role encompasses ensuring quality, professionalism, and ethical conduct within the profession, ultimately safeguarding public health.”

    Reflecting on the history of the partnership, Dr. Ofili recalled MLSCN’s foundational role in establishing the College over a decade ago.

    “It fills me with pride to recall MLSCN’s pivotal involvement in the conceptualization of WAPCMLS. We were there at the very inception, contributing to the signing of the official document that brought this esteemed College into existence,” he said.

    Read Also: Why accreditation is key to global acceptance of Nigerian lab results, by MLSCN boss

    He commended the College’s rapid growth, describing it as “a beacon of excellence, fostering specialized knowledge and producing highly skilled professionals who are contributing significantly to healthcare in the region.”

    Dr. Ofili assured that MLSCN would continue to support the College’s mandate and push for proper recognition of its Fellows within the public service.

    “MLSCN is not only proud of these achievements but is also ready to further strengthen our collaborations with WAPCMLS. We are committed to working hand-in-hand to fortify the College’s mandate and to ensure that its Fellows receive the due recognition they deserve within the public service,” he said.

    Urging the Fellows to remain ambassadors of excellence, Dr. Ofili said: “Let your professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence always reflect the significant contributions and high standards associated with your fellowship status.”

  • Why accreditation is key to global acceptance of Nigerian lab results, by MLSCN boss

    Why accreditation is key to global acceptance of Nigerian lab results, by MLSCN boss

    The acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr. Donald Ibe, has urged all medical laboratories in Nigeria to adopt accreditation as a strategic tool for achieving international recognition and improving healthcare delivery.

    Dr. Ibe made the call during the 2025 World Accreditation Day, themed ‘Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)’, saying the theme was particularly relevant, as many medical laboratories in Nigeria operate as SMEs whose services are vital to public health.

    He emphasised that accreditation is not a requirement that any medical laboratory in Nigeria should take lightly, as it is essential for the global acceptance and credibility of the country’s laboratory results.

    Read Also: Fed Govt names Ofili acting MLSCN Registrar

    “Accreditation enhances credibility, expands market access, and ensures that medical test results are accepted beyond Nigeria’s borders,” he noted

    He pointed out that adopting the ISO 15189:2022 standard enables laboratories to compete globally, attract new partnerships, and align with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Beyond credibility, he added, accreditation encourages innovation by pushing labs to adopt new technologies and improve diagnostic practices, supporting government efforts to strengthen the health system and improve access to quality care.

    Dr. Ibe assured that MLSCN is ready to support both public and private laboratories on their accreditation journey through technical guidance, capacity building, and streamlined processes.

    “Our goal is to instil a national culture of quality and position Nigerian labs to meet global standards,” he stressed.

  • It’s illegal to repeat internship programme, warns MLSCN Registrar to new inductees

    It’s illegal to repeat internship programme, warns MLSCN Registrar to new inductees

    The Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Professor Tosan Erhabor, stated that newly inducted members of the profession must do everything within their power to ensure they do not repeat the required internship programme due to salary concerns.

    This is in light of the Council acknowledging the federal government’s efforts in establishing policies and structures to empower the health sector.

    Welcoming 51 new medical laboratory scientists into the profession, the Registrar warned that the Council would discipline professionals if they were found to have repeated the required internship programme.

    Professor Erhabor issued the warning at the induction ceremony for the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) graduating class of 2024 at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.

    He spoke at the event through the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr. Akinwale Akinlabi.

    According to the MLSCN leader, some professionals who disregarded similar warnings and attempted to repeat the internship programme in the past are now facing disciplinary proceedings at the beginning of their careers.

    He urged the new medical laboratory scientists to join forces with others in the health sector to promote a new paradigm that guarantees positive health outcomes for citizens.

    The Registrar said: “We must resolve to contribute our quota to enable the dream of an effective, efficient, and patient-centred health sector to become a reality.

    “At the same time, the Council is reposing confidence in your capacity to accomplish more soon. As colourful as this event may be, it should not be your greatest accomplishment in medical laboratory science.

    Read Also: Board opposes re-appointment of MLSCN Registrar

    “Opportunities abound for those who are ready to seize them. There are various pathways in which you can excel in the field of medical laboratory science.”

    In his remarks, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, advised the new inductees on their duties, which entail upholding the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence in service, regardless of the challenges testing their resolve.

    He stated: “The healthcare system you are stepping into requires teamwork and demands courage, resilience, and innovation. I hope that you will not only rise to these challenges but also contribute to shaping a system that is more inclusive, efficient, and patient-centred.”

    Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, reiterated the University’s commitment to the growth of the profession and urged the inductees, as ambassadors of both the profession and the university, to be worthy in character and learning at all times and in all circumstances.

  • Our grouse about MLSCN Chairman Salako’s appointment, by lab scientists

    Our grouse about MLSCN Chairman Salako’s appointment, by lab scientists

    • ‘He’s neither a Fellow nor certified practitioner’

    medical laboratory scientists in the country have urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse his recent appointment of Babajide Salako as the Chairman of the Board of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

    They said the appointment breached the establishment law of MLSCN because Salako was neither a Fellow of the body nor a certified practitioner of medical laboratory science.

    The laboratory scientists, who expressed their grouse under the aegis of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), faulted the process that led to Salako’s appointment and requested President Tinubu to investigate the cause of the violation of the law and sanction those responsible for the breach.

    The association also urged the National Assembly and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to intervene in the matter and offer appropriate advice to the President on the need to reverse the appointment and replace the MLSCN chairman.

    Failure to heed the plea, the union said, might lead to a turn of event in which quality service in public and private medical laboratory facilities might not be guaranteed.

    Addressing reporters at the MLSCN national headquarters yesterday in Abuja, AMSLN National President Casmir Ifeanyi said the leadership of the association was committed to fostering industrial harmony.

    The union leader said the appeals were based on upholding the rule of law and preventing division in the governance and regulatory responsibilities of the MLSCN.

    “However, if this untoward situation is not redressed now, AMLSN will be unable to guarantee the availability of quality medical laboratory testing in Nigeria, both in private and public.

    “We call on all our members to remain calm but on the alert for the next line of action,” Ifeanyi said.

    On the reason for protesting against the appointment of Salako, the union leader said the disregard for MLSCN establishment law allegedly had the input of the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, being Salako’s friend.

    Quoting Section 3 (1)(a) of MLSCN establishment law, Act CAP (M25) LFN 2004 (Act 11 of 2003), Ifeanyi said: “In Section 3(1), there is established for the Council a Governing Board (in this Act referred to as ‘the Board’) consisting of — (a) a chairman, who shall be a qualified Fellow of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria with five years post-qualification experience and shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the minister from a list of names of the Fellows submitted by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria (in this Act referred to as ‘the Association’).

    Read Also: Be patient, Tinubu’s policies yielding results, Bagudu begs Nigerians

    “Dr. Babajide Salako does not fulfill the above credentials enunciated in the law. We are, therefore, shocked at the brazen violation of the above section of the law without recourse to the list of names submitted by the association in compliance with the law to the Honourable Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

    “We are aware that Dr. Salako’s purported appointment as Chairperson of the Board of MLSCN is not unconnected with his relationship with the Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, his classmate and close friend.

    “Dr. Tunji Alausa is said to be a friend of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but this attempt by Dr. Alausa to appoint his friend, Dr. Salako, at all costs as Chairperson of the MLSCN is a step capable of truncating all the good intentions of Mr. President in the health sector

  • Policy underway to curb health workers’ exodus, says MLSCN

    Policy underway to curb health workers’ exodus, says MLSCN

    • Council Registrar says 10,697 medical lab scientists left for greener pasture

    The Registrar of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr. Tosan Erhabor, has said 10,697 medical laboratory scientists had left the country.

    Erhabor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Federal Ministry of Health was putting a policy in place to address the problem.

    “The total number of medical laboratory scientists that have migrated is 10,697,” he said.

    The MLSCN registrar said the policy, when launched, would regulate migration of Nigerian health workers.

    He said the government had reviewed the hazard allowance of health professionals to boost their productivity.

    “Government is considering reviewing the minimum wage and certain peculiar allowance of health professionals.

    “Safe and conducive work environment can be a panacea for reducing the pace of brain drain amongst medical laboratories,” Erhabor said.

    Read Also: MLSCN seals 34 laboratories in Osun

    According to him, more than 4,504 medical laboratory scientists left the country in 2023.

    The MLSCN registrar attributed the migration among medical scientists from the country to different reasons.

    “Some are leaving as a result of poor remuneration and uncertainties in the career progression in teaching hospitals.

    “Others are leaving in order to study abroad, acquire new skills and enhance their professional status.

    “Good numbers are also leaving because of the security situation in the country, poor infrastructure and lack of modern equipment to work with.

    “Above all, there is the rising cost of living that is making it practically impossible for an average medical laboratory scientist to provide basic care and quality education for their children,” he said.

    Erhabor added that scientists prefer to migrate to United Kingdom (UK), the United States, and Canada to most other countries.

  • MLSCN to open new offices in seven states

    The management of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) is set to open new offices in seven states.

    It is part of efforts to strengthen and expand its operations across Nigeria.

    MLSCN Acting Registrar/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Tosan Erhabor said this while giving an account of his one-year as the helmsman of the council.

    Erhabor said having strengthened the existing zonal offices, the council deemed it fit to open new offices in Oyo, Kogi, Jigawa, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Katsina states to take services to the doorsteps of practitioners.

    He noted that in its effort to boost service delivery, the council has made the provision of quality, timely and cost effective services its watchword.

    “We now offer quality, timely and cost effective services to our clients. These are verifiable facts as majority of our members can testify that it is no longer business as usual in the council. Indeed, we now respond to requests, enquiries and mails expeditiously. In short, we are now much more responsive to the needs of our members,” he said.

    Erhabor noted that in its bid to ameliorate the plight of potential interns, MLSCN has ensured accreditation of four extra facilities for training of intern Medical Laboratory scientists with many more in the pipeline.

    He added that the council is launching an advocacy demanding that those previously accredited for the purpose should increase their quota for intern Medical Laboratory Scientists’ training.

    Erhabor added that in his short reign as the helmsman, the council has ensured that the trio of 445 NAF Hospital Laboratory, Ikeja; Clina-Lancet Laboratory, Victoria Island, and El-Lab Laboratory, Festac Town, all in Lagos have been given national accreditation, using ISO 15189 standard after 18 months of continuous monitoring and inspection.

    He said: “This is the first of its kind in the country. The import of this is that the practices, processes and procedures in these laboratories are in line with international standards.”

    He noted that in his resolve to widen the horizon of the council, he has commenced discussions with some local and international organisations for mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations.

    Such efforts, he said, have started yielding positive results.

  • MLSCN kicks off e-licensing, presents policy agenda

    The Acting Registrar/CEO, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Mr Tosan Erhabor, has called on stakeholders of the profession to help the Council in achieving its mandate.

    He made this call at the third stakeholders meeting – the first since he took over the mantle of leadership of the Council after the murder of late Acting Registrar/CEO Mrs Olufunmilayo F. Omotuyi.

    While addressing the August gathering, he informed them that the meeting was called to present the protocol for inspection of medical laboratories in Nigeria as resolved during the stakeholders meeting in May 2016. It was also to present the tripod of his change administration, which he said is “a policy strategy for implementation hinged on tripartite agenda of Registration, Regulation, and Accreditation driven by 15 measurable cardinal points.”

    Erhabor told the gathering that his administration has already kick started its bottom-up approach in order to deviate from the norms which has given the Council a bad name in the past and key into the change mantra of the administration of President Muhammudu Buhari by kicking off the e-licensing for members in collaboration with IHRIS with effect from 1st August 2016.  With this according to him “members in good standing can now print their 2016 license in the comfort of their homes and offices” the procedure he said has been hoisted on the Council website: www.mlscn.gov.ng  This he observed “will go a long way in removing the bottleneck experienced by members in their quest to obtain their annual license to practic”.

    He intimated the house that a workshop aimed at re-orientating the staff on the change sweeping across the Council had earlier been organised to make sure they key into this mantra and have attitudinal change towards their job so as to render “qualitative service to the members of the Council, its publics and stakeholders”.

    He thanked the elders for their support during the trying period of the council which he tagged “the dark days, a period that will always bring bad memories in the history of the Council”.   He regretted   the unfortunate incident by lamenting: “if not the evil murderer she would have been in her home savoring her terminal leave in  the midst of family and friends and I will still be sitting here as the Acting Registrar/CEO being the most senior officer in the Council”, he said and prayed for the repose of her soul.

    He therefore asserted his management’s commitment in making sure the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book by collaborating with the Security agents.

    The former Chairman Board of Council Prof Dennis Agbonlahor, who chairman the meeting, lauded the new management under Mr Tosan Erhabor, for the peace in the Council since the inception of his administration after the death of   Mrs Omotuyi, who  he described as “a martyr of the profession”.

    He promised that the elders of the Council will continue to support the management in its quest to achieve its mandate.

  • FG orders MLSCN boss to vacate office

    FG orders MLSCN boss to vacate office

    The Federal Government has ordered the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Prof Anthony Emeribe to vacate office “with immediate effect’’.

    The directive was contained in a letter to Emeribe by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, dated Feb. 19, 2016.

    The letter signed on behalf of the Minister by Dr Patience Oshinubi, the Head, Department of Hospital Services in the Ministry stated that Emeribe should hand over to the most senior Director in the council.

    It also stated that the position of the Registrar and CEO of the Council should be advertised.

    “The Honourable Minister of Health has approved the advertisement of the post of the Registrar/CEO of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria.

    “In view of the above, I am directed to inform you to hand over the administration of the council and of government property under your purview to the most senior Director in the council, with immediate effect.

    “Please, accept the assurances of the Honourable Minister of Health’s best regards,’’ the letter read.

    Meanwhile, Emeribe has acknowledged the receipt of the letter in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    The professor, whose second term of four years as Registrar/CEO of the council ought to end in 2018, however, said that the letter was “sub judice’’.

    He said there were subsisting cases in court in respect of the advertisement of the position of the Registrar/CEO of the Council, awaiting judicial determination.

    “The cases are in court. The issues that gave rise to that letter are all in court and the ministry knows that it is sub judice.

    “The Ministry was misadvised into taken that decision because the ministry should know that you cannot take an action on a case that is in court,’’ he said.

  • Govt builds first In-Vitro lab

    Govt builds first In-Vitro lab

    Nigeria has got its first public health In-Vitro Diagnostic Control Laboratory in its bid to attain the millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on healthcare

    It was established by the Federal Ministry of Health through the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

    At its inauguration, President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said its establishment marked the beginning of a new era in the production, importation, storage and sale of diagnostic laboratory reagents and chemicals, under his administration’s the Transformation Agenda.

    In vitro diagnostic medical device is a reagent, reagent product, calibrator, control material, kit, instrument, apparatus, equipment, or system, whether used alone or in combination, intended by the manufacturer to be used in vitro for the examination of specimens, including blood and tissue donations, derived from the human body, solely or principally for the purpose of providing information.

    He said: “The health laboratories, which play a pivotal role in diagnosis and monitoring of diseases rely on the availability of the highest possible quality of personnel, equipment, reagents and chemicals to produce consistently reliable results for the correct diagnosis and proper monitoring of many disease conditions.

    “Due to government’s zero tolerance to the existence of substandard, fake or adulterated products in the country, and based on the transformation agenda of the Federal Government, it is fulfilling to have this facility.

    ”There cannot be anything other than zero tolerance to substandard practices or equipment or diagnostic reagents and chemicals. Doing otherwise would have a hugely negative impact on the health of our citizens. I am happy to note therefore, that in establishing this laboratory, the MLSCN has substantially carried out my directives to all our standards and regulatory agencies when they met with me early in the life of this administration to give full effect to our declared zero tolerance to the existence of substandard, fake or adulterated products in the country, be they food, drugs, laboratory reagents and chemicals or even household consumer items.

    “The facility would strengthen the regulatory function of the MLSCN with respect to the verification, validation, listing and registration of in-vitro laboratory diagnostics and attainment of its key performance indicators, which must necessarily be similar to those of other regulatory agencies in the country.”

    The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, MLSCN, Prof Anthony Eneribe said: “In line with its assigned duties as enunciated in CAP M4, LFN 2004, the Council has been unrelenting in its efforts to drive the culture of quality and efficient health laboratory care to the public. This is with the view of stemming medical tourism for quality healthcare abroad with attendant capital flight, as empirical data have confirmed that 60 to 70 per cent of indices required for effective medical diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, surveillance and forecasting are based on accurate and reproducible health laboratory results.

    Reports that over 50 per cent of public health in-vitro diagnostic-test kits, equipment, reagents, chemical etc in the country open market are sub-standard, fake, expired or poorly stored and distributed as compared to less that 17 per cent for fake or sub-standard drugs and food products are worrisome.”

    He added: “Under such prevailing conditions, it becomes difficult to obtain accurate, reliable and reproducible results and reports from medical laboratories which are on the receiving end of the supply chain.

    “No reputable regulatory agency can stand aloof, while such a chaotic state of affairs remains. The Council has also mapped out a comprehensive policy to ensure henceforth, only IVDs-equipment, kits, reagents and consumables that meet international standards would be allowed to be manufactured, imported, distributed or used in the country. These will help us upscale medical laboratory services in the county with positive implications for out health indices.”