Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, recently witnessed a momentous occasion as 86 new graduates were formally inducted into the Medical Laboratory Science profession during the university’s 13th induction ceremony held at the university’s Medical School 600-Seater Auditorium.
The event, held in collaboration with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), was themed “Unlocking the Future of Medical Laboratory Science: Bridging Innovation, Service and Enterprise.”
The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Augustine Onyeaghala, a seasoned academic and professional who currently serves as the Professor of Chemical Pathology and Toxicology, Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, and Head, Department of Medical Laboratory Science at Chrisland University, Abeokuta.
Prof. Onyeaghala charged the inductees to be innovative and to embrace the power of technology in their professional journey. Highlighting the shifting landscape of healthcare globally, he emphasized the importance of innovation, quality assurance, and strict regulatory compliance in modern Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) practice.
“The future of MLS lies in bringing innovation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance into practice,” he noted. “We need to develop technologies that are sustainable and affordable. Your responsibility as professionals is to not only serve but to lead in transforming healthcare delivery through science and innovation.”
Addressing the inductees, Babcock University President/Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ademola Tayo, underlined the critical role they would play in the healthcare ecosystem. He described the induction as both a professional milestone and a call to higher service.
“Your induction today is not merely a rite of passage into a professional body that is both sacred and scientific,” he said. “As healthcare systems grapple with limited resources and increasing disease complexities, the relevance of your calling cannot be overstated. You are stepping into a field that directly touches lives—your competence, ethics, and commitment will save lives.”
In her address, Professor Esther Adejumo, Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, stressed the need for ethical practice, precision, and timeliness, which she referred to not just as technical expectations but ethical imperatives.
“The future is not something we enter; it is something we build,” she said. “Build with accuracy, timeliness, and quality. Behind every result is a life waiting for your precision. These are the building blocks of a strong professional foundation.”
Adding to the voices of encouragement, the Acting Registrar/CEO of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr. Donald Ofili, urged the inductees to uphold professionalism and protect client confidentiality.
“The future of healthcare is intricately tied to your specialized expertise,” he said. “Serve as unwavering ambassadors of quality. Respect patient health information, attend continuous training and seminars, and commit to lifelong learning. Your journey is just beginning.”
The ceremony also celebrated academic excellence, with 11 students emerging with first-class honours. Notably, Elizabeth Kehinde was recognized as the overall best graduating student in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, making history as the best in the department’s record.
Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, Kehinde expressed her excitement and commitment to the values of the profession.
“This induction is a dream come true,” she said. “It represents not just a personal achievement but also a deep responsibility—to uphold the value and ethics of the profession. I feel excited, honoured and grateful to God.”
The atmosphere at the auditorium was one of pride and celebration as family members, friends, university officials, and faculty members gathered to honour the newest batch of professionals in Medical Laboratory Science. Among them were Prof. Dora Akinboye, Dean of the School of Public and Allied Health, and several academic staff who lent their support and congratulatory remarks to the inductees.
The ceremony concluded with the formal oath-taking and professional affirmation by the inductees, marking their transition from students to certified Medical Laboratory Scientists, ready to contribute to the advancement of healthcare both in Nigeria and beyond.
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