Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, on Monday inducted 84 graduates of its Department of Medical Laboratory Science into the Medical Laboratory Science profession, with stakeholders charging the new professionals to uphold ethics, professionalism, continuous learning and excellence in healthcare delivery.
The second induction and oath-taking ceremony brought together officials of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), the university management, academics, healthcare professionals, parents and guardians to celebrate the graduates’ formal admission into the profession.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Godwin C. Nduka, described the induction as a significant milestone for both the graduates and the university, noting that it formally admits the inductees into the professional body of Medical Laboratory Scientists.
Prof. Nduka congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the rigorous academic and professional training required for the programme and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of Novena University and the profession.
According to him, the practice of Medical Laboratory Science demands integrity, accuracy, honesty and unwavering commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
“As scientists, you must see clearly what you observe, report only what you have established and remain committed to quality healthcare delivery for the benefit of humanity,” he advised.
The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged the newly inducted professionals to embrace continuous professional development and maintain competence throughout their careers, stressing that excellence in laboratory practice remains critical to accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and improved healthcare outcomes.
He expressed appreciation to the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria for its sustained collaboration with the university and reaffirmed Novena University’s commitment to producing globally competitive healthcare professionals.
In his remarks, Provost of the College of Health and Medical Sciences, Prof. Charles Ofili, urged the inductees to combine professional competence with exemplary character, noting that integrity remains the foundation of public confidence in healthcare professionals.
He challenged the new Medical Laboratory Scientists to contribute to the future of the profession by supporting the training and mentorship of upcoming practitioners.
According to him, sustained collaboration among experienced professionals, universities and regulatory bodies is essential for producing the next generation of competent Medical Laboratory Scientists.
Prof. Ofili also commended parents and guardians for their sacrifices and investments in the education of their children, assuring them that the graduates would make meaningful contributions to healthcare delivery and national development.
Representing the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr. Donald Ibe Ofili, the Council’s Director of Education, Akinwale Akinlabi, charged the newly inducted scientists to uphold professional ethics, effective communication, teamwork and continuous learning.
He noted that the profession offers opportunities in clinical practice, research, academia, industry, public health laboratories and education, urging the graduates to distinguish themselves through competence, discipline and dedication.
Akinlabi reminded the inductees that laboratory diagnosis remains central to quality healthcare delivery and warned against compromising professional standards under any circumstance.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr. Kester Digban, described the occasion as historic, revealing that the 84 graduates, known as the “Vanguard Set” of the 2024/2025 academic session, included a First Class graduate.
He recalled that the university inducted its pioneer set of 35 Medical Laboratory Scientists during the 2023/2024 academic session and noted that the programme has continued to expand while producing highly skilled professionals.
Digban commended the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, the university management, faculty members, clinical partners and sponsors, including the Presidential Amnesty Programme, for their support towards the growth of the programme.
He also advocated stronger collaboration between government and private universities to strengthen higher education and produce more qualified professionals across critical sectors.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Head of Medical Laboratory Services, Central Hospital, Warri, Dr. Henry Ukwamedua, emphasised the importance of practical clinical training in developing competent Medical Laboratory Scientists.
He observed that although many students initially had limited practical laboratory experience, their enthusiasm, discipline and willingness to learn enabled them to perform exceptionally well during professional training and examinations.
Ukwamedua reaffirmed the commitment of healthcare institutions to supporting quality practical education and urged the new professionals to embrace lifelong learning while exploring opportunities in biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, research, public health and academia.
The ceremony also featured an induction lecture delivered by Prof. Everista Osime titled, “Medical Laboratory Science Practice in Nigeria’s Contemporary Security Environment: Building Resilient Diagnostic Professionals for National Health Security.”
Reacting after the ceremony, one of the newly inducted Medical Laboratory Scientists, who preferred anonymity, expressed gratitude to the university management, describing Novena University as an institution that not only enabled the realisation of academic aspirations but also prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“I’m delighted to be a great ambassador of Novena University, Ogume. This institution shaped me, it made me what I am, today (June 29, 2026). It is not just a place for academic achievement, Novena University prepares student for nation building,” she said.
