Iwo, Nigeria – Bowen University, Iwo, held its second Medical Laboratory Science Induction, Oath-Taking, and Awards Ceremony over the weekend, officially inducting 45 new medical laboratory scientists into the profession. The event celebrated the achievements of the inductees and recognized outstanding contributions within the field.
In his opening remarks, Bowen University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jonathan O. Babalola, congratulated the inductees, highlighting that 21 of the 45 graduates passed the Medical Laboratory Science Council exams with distinction. He urged the newly inducted professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in their practice, stressing the importance of staying updated with advancements in their field to remain relevant and effective.
The induction lecture, titled “Medical Laboratory Science: The Bedrock of Modern Medicine,” was delivered by Professor Kolawole S. Oyedeji, a renowned medical microbiologist and molecular diagnosis expert at the University of Lagos College of Medicine. In his address, Prof. Oyedeji underscored the critical role medical laboratory scientists play in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. He noted that laboratory data are essential for up to 70% of clinical decisions in healthcare, emphasizing that the field serves as the backbone of modern medicine.
Prof. Oyedeji further elaborated on how medical laboratory science intersects with the challenges of medicine and the complexities of scientific research. He also highlighted the importance of medical laboratory scientists in supporting research in public health and improving the effectiveness of modern-day medicine.
The guest lecturer pointed out that while medical doctors and nurses constitute only 40% of healthcare professionals, the majority of practitioners are from allied health professions like medical laboratory science. He urged the new inductees to maintain integrity, adhere to ethical standards, and ensure confidentiality and accuracy in their work.
The ceremony’s climax was the oath-taking, led by Dr. Gregory Uchonu, who represented the Registrar and CEO of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Professor Tosan Erhabor. This formal induction marked the official entry of the new professionals into the medical laboratory science field.
Awards were also presented to the top-performing graduates, with Oghenedoro Godswill Avbunufe receiving the award for the overall best-graduating student. He was presented with a cash gift of ₦100,000 from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria.
The ceremony also honored two distinguished elders of the Medical Laboratory Science Council, Hon. Kunle Jenrade and Mr. Kehinde Ogunkoya, for their invaluable contributions to the development of the profession in Nigeria.
The event served as both a celebration of academic achievement and a reaffirmation of the vital role medical laboratory scientists play in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
