The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria has inducted the pioneer Medical Laboratory Science graduates of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, into the profession.
The graduands, 13, were Inducted at a ceremony, held on Thursday at the Oba Olashore Auditorium of the university.
Registrar of the Council, Tosan Erabhor, who performed the historical event, congratulated the university and charged the new professionals to uphold high ethical standards in their practice.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olasebikan Fakolujo, described the ceremony as a landmark achievement for JABU and the Nigeria’s health sector.
He appreciated the leadership of Christ Apostolic Church and the university’s governing council for their support in floating the Medical Laboratory Science programme in the institution.
Prof. Fakolujo also commended the MLSCN for granting accreditation to the programme, which he said enables the department to offer three certificates that will distinguish JABU graduates in the medical laboratory field.
While congratulating the inductees, the university administrator noted that the inductees have mastered medical concepts, compassion for patient care and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real life situations. He therefore charged them to commit to professional development and continuous learning to thrive in the ever-evolving profession.
“Your hard work, dedication and perseverance have paid off, and you have earned the right to be inducted into a profession that demands not only academic excellence but also compassion, empathy and resilience,” Prof. Fakolujo declared.
He urged the graduates to be good ambassadors of the university by upholding the highest ethical standards, integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The Vice-Chancellor also reassured stakeholders of the university’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities to ensure students receive training that meets global standards. He also pledged the institution’s readiness to produce world-class medical laboratory scientists who will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Adio Folayan, emphasised the critical role of medical laboratory professionals in healthcare. He advised the inductees to remain dedicated, pursue continuous learning, adhere to professional ethics, and make a positive impact on society.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Department, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Dr. Roland Bejide, celebrated the department’s accomplishments, including securing full accreditation from MLSCN and successful indexing of its students with the council.
He proudly noted the department’s 100% pass rate in professional examinations and thanked the university management for equipping the laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities, which he said not only train exceptional medical laboratory scientists but also offer diagnostic services.
The event featured a lecture titled, “The Role of Medical Laboratory Science in Precision Medicine,” delivered by the guest lecturer, Prof. Tatfeng Mirabeau. He escribed medical laboratory scientists as vital players in precision medicine and emphasised their roles in analysing patient samples, investigating diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles.
One of the high points of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the 13 graduating students. The best graduating student, Samuel Ogunmola, who spoke on behalf of the inductees, promised to be good ambassadors of the institution.
The induction came few months after the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria inducted JABU’s pioneer nursing graduates into professional nursing practice.