FG tasks 464 foreign-trained Med Lab scientists on professionalism, patriotism

The federal government has again stressed integrity, professionalism, and patriotism in the healthcare workforce as the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) inducted 464 newly qualified foreign-trained medical laboratory scientists in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the ceremony symbolised a collective pledge to national service and strengthened diagnostic systems

With new professionals entering the field, he insisted that the country’s diagnostic backbone must be strengthened through ethics, patriotism, and unwavering professionalism.

“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 actions.

“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,” Salako said.

He noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms under the Renewed Hope Health Sector Investment Initiative.

He stressed that laboratory scientists sit at the heart of accurate diagnosis, public health surveillance, outbreak response, and treatment planning. 

“Your competence inspires investor confidence, stimulates local production of diagnostic tools, and reduces reliance on imports,” he said.

He assured that the government remains committed to improving regulation, strengthening training, and maintaining quality assurance nationwide, describing the induction as progress not only for MLSCN but for the entire health workforce.

The Council’s Registrar and CEO, Dr. Donald Ofili, applauded the Federal government, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda has provided “a clear direction for building a competent, ethical, and future-ready health workforce.”

He vowed that MLSCN would intensify efforts to enforce discipline, end quackery, and maintain global standards across the country. 

He noted that the council’s disciplinary tribunal “remains active and will not hesitate to sanction practitioners found guilty of unethical or unsafe practices.”

The Registrar further described the newly commissioned Golden Arena of MLSCN as a stronger, functional structure that will lower event costs and serve as a versatile venue for future inductions and major gatherings.