….Inducts 158 Medical Laboratory Scientists
By Is’haq Babatunde
The Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Professor Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi SAN has disclosed that all arrangements have been concluded by the institution to commence Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB;BS) programmes by September 2022.
He said the programmes will domicile under the College of Health Sciences.
Professor Akanbi disclosed this on Wednesday (June 29, 2022) in his address at the 3rd oath-taking/induction ceremony for newly qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists of the 2020/2021 session, held at the University’s Convocation Arena.
The University during the ceremony inducted additional 158 graduates of Medical Laboratory Sciences into the Medical Laboratory Sciences Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) as professional Medical Laboratory Scientists.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented at the well attended occasion by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Omololu Oladele Fapojuwo, hinted that the University has prioritised capacity and human capital training in health related discipline in order to advance the cause of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“The management of this great University is also committed to making KWASU become foremost in training of manpower for the healthcare as we hope to commence our College of Health Sciences by next session.
“In our effort to provide conducive environment a well equipped departmental building and central laboratory will soon be commissioned to boost qualitative teaching, learning and research in Medical Laboratory Science” the Vice Chancellor added.
He added that the event of the induction is very significant in the history of KWASU as 158 graduates of Medical Laboratory Science have been inducted into the Medical Laboratory Sciences Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) as professional Medical Laboratory Scientists, adding, “this brings to a total number of three hundred and sixty four (364) medical laboratory scientists produced by our world class University”.
“This is, no doubt, a milestone achievement because KWASU is the first tertiary institution in the whole of North Central Nigeria to mount the B.MLS programme and graduate medical laboratory scientists, thus contributing to solving the problem of shortage of qualified medical laboratory scientists in the country” Professor Akanbi said.
I feel high sense of pride that our University has produced yet another set of distinguished leaders who will define the future in our health care system.
The Vice Chancellor therefore acknowledged the support of the Kwara State government under the able leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Absulrazaq led administration towards ensuring sustainable academic excellence, which has culminated in the feat the institution is celebrating.
“As a University, our determination is as strong as ever to continue to make KWASU a positive reference point among universities worldwide. KWASU will continue to complement the state and by extension national health care delivery services by producing quality, well trained healthcare professionals to man the sector.
He equally thanked the Medical Laboratory Sciences Council of Nigeria for lending support and encouragement towards achieving this success, and assured that the cordial relationship that exists between KWASU and professional body will be sustained for the benefit of all.
“We will not relent in our effort at providing facilities that will enhance effective teaching and learning in health sciences, within our limited resources” he said. “To our inductees of today, I congratulate you on the successful completion of your programme. The sacrifices of time and efforts you have made over the years have yielded positive result.
“You have made a milestone in your career path. I want to remind you that you have been raised in this great citadel of learning as future health manpower that will transform the healthcare sector”
“It therefore behooves on you to prove your mettle by contributing your quota to national development. I implore you to make the greatest impact on your career by being purpose driven. Maintain integrity in the discharge of your duties as Medical Laboratory Scientists through hard work, honesty and service to humanity.
“Remember the virtues and culture of integrity you have learnt while in the University, do your best to manifest these good qualities and excel” he added.
He urged them to abide by the code of ethics and the rules established by their professional body and be good ambassadors of KWASU and the councilman.
“Improve yourself through training and retraining as learning is a continuum and it is imperative for you to hone your skills by expanding your frontiers of knowledge in your chosen career. I am confident that many of you will become Medical Laboratory Scientists of repute to the benefit of your alma mater, the nation and the world at large.
In his speech, the Registrar/CEO, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Tosan Erhabor, commended the leadership of KWASU for navigating the ship of the Medical Laboratory Science program back to the path of progress and optimism.
The Registrar who spoke through the Director Education and Deputy Registrar in the Council, Dr. Godwin Aikpitianyi congratulated KWASU for ensuing the full accreditation of the programme.
“At this juncture, permit me to pay tribute to the leadership of this University under Prof Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi SAN, for the support given to the Medical Laboratory Science program which, as many have suggested, is one of the pillars of this institution” he said.
The Registrar charged the newly qualified medical laboratory scientists to avoid quackery and sharp practices, urging them to adhere strictly with the ethics of their profession.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Professor Emmanuel Ajani said the University has recorded tremendous achievements in the areas of procurement of laboratory equipment, new laboratory complex, departmental building, an endowment of the Faculty lecture and several other milestone achievements.
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