The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) has declared a renewed crackdown on quackery and professional misconduct in the nation’s medical laboratory sector, warning that offenders will be decisively sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to others.

The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr Donald Ibe Ofili, made this known at the induction and oath-taking ceremony of the second set of 13 Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) graduates of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.

Dr Ofili stated that the Council was taking concrete steps to reposition the health laboratory system in Nigeria, citing the recent flag-off of a nationwide inspection of medical laboratories as a major intervention.

“The essence of this exercise is to identify, weed out and punish quacks who continue to invade the medical laboratory space meant strictly for well-trained and MLSCN-licensed professionals,” he said.

According to him, sustained inspection will also help expose and eliminate sub-standard and unethical practices, while strengthening quality assurance and safeguarding public health.

Speaking through Mr Bukar Simon, the MLSCN boss reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting accredited training institutions to deliver the highest standards of professional education, noting that quality training has direct implications for national health outcomes.

“Our insistence on proper processes, modern equipment and adequate infrastructure in training institutions is rooted in our mandate to sanitize the entire health laboratory system, improve diagnostic accuracy and protect public health,” he explained.

Dr Ofili further disclosed that the Council has adopted a new collaborative framework involving training institutions, sister agencies, international partners and other key stakeholders.

“We are engaging like-minded institutions and partners to leverage shared experiences and expertise. We expect Elizade University to commit fully to this framework through excellence in service delivery as a basis for sustained cordial relations with MLSCN,” he added.

He noted that Nigerians are increasingly exposed to world-class diagnostic services and are no longer willing to accept mediocrity or excuses.

“Citizens now demand accuracy, reliability and professionalism. We must therefore deploy our statutory mandate to entrench a culture of quality diagnostics that meets global standards,” he said.

Addressing the newly inducted graduates, Dr Ofili assured them that they had undergone rigorous training to function effectively in hospitals, research institutes, industries, food laboratories and other allied sectors.

“Opportunities abound for you. Be confident, courageous and optimistic. However, you must continuously sharpen your skills under senior colleagues and keep pace with innovations through continuous professional development,” he advised.

The Guest Speaker, Professor G. R. A. Okogun, Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, delivered a lecture titled ‘Hallmarks and Habits of Effective Professionalism’, where he stressed that professionalism transcends academic qualifications or outward appearance.

He challenged the inductees to exceed the minimum demands of professional codes in reliability, competence, ethics, etiquette, accountability, organisation and integrity.

“Values are the strongest differentiators in any profession. True professionalism is values-driven and reflects an attitude of excellence,” Professor Okogun said.

He lamented the steady decline of workplace civility over the past decade, urging the new professionals to promote respect and professionalism in an era where technology encourages anonymous misconduct.

In his remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Adeyemo, charged the inductees to uphold honesty, protect lives and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

He urged them to remain faithful to Elizade University’s mission of producing innovative, ethical and globally competitive professionals, while also acknowledging the vision and philanthropy of the University’s Founder, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, whose commitment laid the foundation for its success.

The Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Professor Omotola Dada, advised the inductees to conduct themselves with dignity and serve as worthy ambassadors of the University, encouraging them to explore emerging frontiers such as forensic science, molecular biology and artificial intelligence as they advance in their careers.

The Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr Folusho Dada, announced two outstanding graduates who finished with First Class honours — Adeyemo Samuel Dada (CGPA 4.58) and Iliyasu Hafsat Mama (CGPA 4.51).

He reminded the inductees of the gravity of their professional responsibility, noting that a single wrong laboratory result could alter lives and destinies.

“Integrity is not optional; it is mandatory. Let accuracy be your identity and learning your lifelong commitment. You are the backbone of diagnosis and the silent heroes of patient care,” he said.

Dr Dada concluded by urging the new professionals to serve humanity with humility, dedication and compassion, adding: “Let your laboratory coat represent not just knowledge, but character; let your hands do science, and your heart uphold service.”