A University don, Professor Godwin Avwioro, has described medical laboratories as the backbone of healthcare in Nigeria but lamented that they are beset with enormous challenges.
He made this submission at the 4th Medical Laboratory Science Induction Ceremony of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo.
Professor Avwioro, a Professor of Histochemistry and Histopathology at the Delta State University, who spoke on the theme “Revitalising Medical Laboratory Systems in Nigeria: A strategic Driver for a Healthier and Wealthier Nation” said “Medical laboratory systems are the diagnostic backbone of any healthcare system”.
According to him, “Medical laboratories contribute well over 70% of clinical decision-making data, enabling early disease detection, monitoring, and public health surveillance”.
He, however, said that the systems face critical challenges that hinder their ability to deliver accurate, timely, and reliable diagnostic services.
He listed the challenges to include, among others, outdated equipment and poor biosafety, weak digital integration and frequent power outages, undervalued and underfunded sector, brain drain due to poor working conditions, limited training in advanced diagnostics, low pay, high workload, and lack of career growth.
Avwioro called for the strengthening of the system as a way to take advantage of its strategic importance to the nation.
“Strengthening these systems is essential not only for health outcomes, but also for economic productivity, pandemic preparedness, and scientific advancement.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ebuoluwa Adejuyigbe, represented at the event by Professor Abdulazeez Abubakar, charged the inductees to use the knowledge acquired at the institution to make impacts that will place the name of the University on the global map.
According to the VC, “We have exposed you to the global best practices in medical laboratory science.
“You are not local champions. Therefore, go out there and impact not only your nation, but the world at large”, she said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, where the department of Medical Laboratory Science is domiciled, congratulated the newly inducted Medical Laboratory Scientists for their resilience in the course of their programme at UNIMED.
“There is no doubt that the journey of rigorous five years of your academic studies in this outstanding university is not a child’s play. I therefore want to congratulate each of you on the laudable feat you have achieved”.
The Department produced four first class graduates who are: Aladegoroye Mercy Oluwatosin; Famuyibo Oluwatobiloba Ayeoluwa; Odetuyi Opemiposi David; and Ijalana Oyinkansola Hanna.
Also, a special award of the most dutiful student in the 2024/2025 Session was given to Ikuenomore Precious Adenike.
The other highlights of the induction ceremony were presentation of licenses to the inductees by the Registrar of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr Donald Ofili, represented by Mr. Olayide George and the admission of the inductees into the profession by the Chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Ondo State Branch, MLS Akinlolu Felix.