The Nigerian Health sector has received a new boost, with the Induction of 139 (One Hundred and Thirty Nine) new Medical Laboratory Scientists of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) into the profession by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
Speaking during the 7th MLSCN Induction/ Oath taking ceremony of the 2021/2022 batch of graduands at the University auditorium, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman on the occasion, Distinguished Professor Onyemachi M. Ogbulu, charged the graduating Medical Laboratory Scientists to be good ambassadors of the University and bring positive rewards to their parents who made huge sacrifices to see them through training in the University.
While congratulating the graduands, the Vice-Chancellor used the forum to announce that very soon the Medical Laboratory Science programme will be upgraded to a full fledged Faculty with four different departments, and thanked the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr Alex Otti OFR, for his relentless support to the University.
In his speech, the CEO/ Registrar, MLSCN, Professor Tosan Erhabor, represented by Professor Chris Mbata, described ABSU as one of the best University in Nigeria and commended the Vice-Chancellor and his Management team for establishing a molecular laboratory in the faculty to enhance the practical skills of the students.
He congratulated the Inductees for achieving the aim of their enrollment to study medical laboratory science, and urged them to practice according to the ethics of the profession.
Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), ABSU, Professor S. N. Onwere, represented by the Deputy Provost, Professor B. O. Ekpo, emphasized the need for synergy among all health practitioners for the overall well being of patients, while the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Chris O. Timothy appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and Management as well as all the lecturers for their contributions in producing quality health professionals from the Faculty.
Earlier in his welcome address, the acting Dean, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr O. C. Okamgba, expressed appreciation to the University Management and all stakeholders in the training of the new medical laboratory scientists and announced that three (3) of the Inductees made first class in different special areas.
Delivering the Induction lecture on the topic, “Neglected Tropical Diseases: The Role of Medical Laboratory Scientists in their Management Intervention”. Professor Ada C. Ngwogu, stated that the burden of neglected tropical diseases is high, causing thousands of death all over the world, adding that Medical Laboratory Scientists plays a huge role in research, identification and treatment of such diseases.
In her valedictory speech, the best graduating student, Nwokike Blessing Chinaza, thanked her parents, the lecturers and colleagues for being part of her success story and urged other students to be focused in their studies so that they can achieve their academic dreams.
Highpoint of the event was the Induction and Oath taking ceremony as well as issuance of provisional Licenses to the 139 new Medical Laboratory Scientists.
The Principal officers of the University and other senior academics attended the ceremony.
