By Joy Joseph
The University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), have reiterated their commitment to continuing upholding ethical standards and excellence in the production of medical professionals.
UI’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, and Deputy Director of Laboratory Services of MLSCN, Akinola Olugbenga,made the pledge during the 2025 induction and admission ceremony into the Medical Laboratory Science profession for the 2025 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) I graduating class.
The event, held at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre, marked a major career milestone for the graduating Class of 2025.
The premier university through its College of Medicine, officially inducted 27 graduates into the medical laboratory science profession at its BMLS induction ceremony. The newly qualified medical laboratory scientists took the professional oath administered by the MLSCN, symbolising their formal entry into the profession and commitment to uphold its ethical and technical standards.
Representing the MLSCN, Mr. Olugbenga, emphasised the Council’s zero-tolerance for substandard practices. Olugbenga explained that physical presence at the induction is compulsory, as it binds each graduate to professional ethics and accountability. Olugbenga called on the public to report unaccredited laboratories, assuring that the Council actively inspects and sanctions erring establishments to safeguard public health.
Delivering his goodwill message, the UI VC, Adebowale, lauded the graduates for their resilience through the six-year academic journey. Highlighting the indispensable role of laboratory scientists, he said, “Up to 70 per cent of medical decisions rely on laboratory results. Your work is vital to the healthcare system.” Adebowale urged them to remain lifelong learners and ambassadors of integrity, excellence, and service to humanity.
In his welcome address, Professor of Chemical/Biochemical Toxicology, Olayinka Omotosho, congratulated the inductees and lauded the rigorous training of the BMLS programme at UI. He emphasised the critical role of discipline, ethical responsibility, and precision in the profession. Prof. Omotosho acknowledged the unwavering support of parents, guardians, and lecturers, urging the new professionals to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery and the advancement of global science.
In his remarks, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, described the BMLS graduates as pivotal players in preserving life through science. Ogundiran reminded them that every test, slide, and result has far-reaching implications for diagnosis and treatment. He also encouraged humility, teamwork, and giving back to the university community.
Two outstanding graduates were recognized for their academic distinction, having completed the BMLS programme with First Class Honours Agboola Ridwan Ayomide and Okunade Peace Oluwaseun
Agboola, who served as the Valedictorian, expressed heartfelt appreciation to God, his parents, lecturers, and peers. He dedicated the success of the Class Vencedores (Spanish for “Victors”) to their shared resilience, calling on his colleagues to remain committed to professionalism and service.
In a touching goodwill message, Professor [ Pastor] Mike Olanrewaju Olowu, admonished the inductees to shine as ethical professionals in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. He encouraged them to protect the integrity of their work and profession at all times.
Attended by faculty, families, friends, and health leaders, the induction ceremony celebrated not just academic success, but also the emergence of a new generation of professionals dedicated to accurate diagnostics and improved patient outcomes.
