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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) has administered the code of conduct oath for medical laboratory scientists to 464 foreign-trained graduates of medical laboratory science.
The Acting Registrar, MLSCN, Dr. Donald Ofili, who administered the oath in Abuja, on Thursday, congratulated the new members for passing through the rigorous but transparent processes that culminated in their clearance for professional certification.
He said: “Today’s ceremony marks the formal entry of a dedicated cohort into the community of Medical Laboratory Scientists. The graduates have undergone a rigorous and carefully structured 12-month mandatory adaptation programme across accredited Teaching Hospitals in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
“The adaptation programme was designed to bridge gaps between foreign curricula and Nigeria’s unique disease patterns, operational realities, and professional expectations. Under seasoned coordinators and teaching hospital management, these inductees were immersed in high-pressure diagnostic environments, developed practical competencies and honed the discipline required for safe and accurate laboratory practice.
“By successfully completing this intensive, practical-based laboratory posting and passing the final professional examination, the inductees have demonstrated readiness to serve with competence. They are now truly competent as those trained in-country and globally acceptable.
“They are joining a profession where precision is mandatory, ethics are non-negotiable and human life is directly influenced by the decisions they make at the bench. Hence, they must always remember that the laboratory scientist is the custodian of diagnostic truth. Their work guides clinical judgement, informs public health strategy and determines treatment outcomes. For this reason, accuracy, integrity, and objectivity must define the practice.”
He stated that as the regulatory authority, the MLSCN remains resolutely committed to progressively pursue the actualization of its mandate by ensuring effective regulation of practice and training. “This directly supports the national agenda to improve health outcomes, strengthen disease surveillance, and move steadily toward Universal Health Coverage.”
He reassured health-seeking Nigerians that his professional colleagues are competent and will contribute to providing accurate test results, safe public health, and effectively contribute to the actualization of the laudable programmes of the government.
“Also, the Council will continue to enforce discipline, eradicate quackery, accredit institutions according to strict criteria and ensure that laboratory services across the country remain reliable and globally competitive,” he added.
He reminded the inductees that the path ahead is one of continuous professional evolution, urging them to emphasize ethics and professionalism in every facet of the work; embrace Intra and Inter-Professional Harmony and Collaboration; and see Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as a necessity for licence renewal and professional growth.
He added: “You must embrace life-long learning in emerging areas of medical science, from molecular diagnostics to digital health, to remain relevant. Also, be aware that the Council’s Disciplinary Tribunal is active and we will invoke the full weight of the law to prosecute any erring professional involved in unwholesome practices.”
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, in his remarks, said the oath-taking ceremony for the new medical laboratory scientists is more than a routine event; it represents the collective commitment to a resilient and people-centred health sector.
He challenged them, as well trained professionals who belongs to the elite class of the country to shun social vices, embrace patrotism, self-descipline, purposeful living to keep on the trajectory of sustained personal growth and contribute to national development.
He said: “As we formally admit these brand new inductees to the noble profession of ‘healthcare detectives’ those who works behind the scene to save lives, let us leverage on it for progress, progress for the profession, for the MLSCN, for the health sector and for Nigeria.
“With well trained and competent strong proffesionals, strong regulatory institutions, and a clear reform pathway for quality working environment and carrier growth, I am confident that we will jointly build a Nigeria health system that is resilent, that delivers quality service and earns the trust of the Nigerian people.
“To the Nigerians, I reassure you that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the systems that guarantee accurate and reliable diagnostic services nationwide. Through enhanced regulation, improved training, and ongoing reforms, we will continue to build the quality-assurance mechanisms required to protect your health and restore confidence in laboratory services across the country.
“A key pillar of this commitment is the recognition that the strength of any health system rests firmly on its workforce. Hence, Medical Laboratory Scientists occupy a central position in the chain of healthcare delivery. Your work shines light on the darkness of determines medical diagnosis, helping to determine the direction of treatment, and supporting positive outcomes for patients.”
He commended the MLSCN for the mandatory 12-month supervised adaptation training programme, which ensures that their international training is aligned with Nigeria’s specific health needs and standards. “As you take up your roles, I urge you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
“Let precision define your work and let ethical conduct guide your action. Resist all forms of malpractice; reject quackery; and remember that the trust patients and clinicians place in you is a sacred responsibility. Your work influences life-saving decisions; therefore, excellence must be your constant benchmark.”
