Posted on: Thu 17-07-2025

In a move to transform medical laboratory services and diagnostic capabilities in West Africa, the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing innovation through collaboration with the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS). Speaking during the 5th Regional Conference of the College, held recently, the Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of MLSCN, Dr. Donald Ofili, emphasized the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the medical laboratory sector.

Dr. Ofili highlighted the growing potential of AI and digital innovations to reshape laboratory diagnostics, making them more efficient, accurate, and accessible across the region. According to him, this technological convergence presents unprecedented opportunities to enhance the quality of healthcare services, particularly in areas where laboratory medicine plays a pivotal role in patient management and disease control.

Reflecting on the historical ties between MLSCN and WAPCMLS, Dr. Ofili noted that the council was instrumental in the founding of the college, viewing it as a strategic partner in elevating medical laboratory practice in the region. He reiterated that the MLSCN, as the regulatory authority for medical laboratory science in Nigeria, bears the critical responsibility of setting and maintaining standards of quality, professionalism, and ethical practice. This regulatory oversight, he said, ultimately safeguards public health and ensures that laboratory services remain a cornerstone of the healthcare system.

Dr. Ofili applauded the rapid growth of the WAPCMLS, acknowledging its role in fostering specialized knowledge and producing highly skilled professionals who are now making significant contributions to healthcare across West Africa. He described the college as a “beacon of excellence”, nurturing a new generation of laboratory scientists equipped to handle emerging diagnostic challenges with expertise and innovation.

He further encouraged the fellows of the college to actively engage in the exchange of skills, ideas, and best practices across the West African sub-region. He stressed that collaboration among medical laboratory professionals is vital for complementing the efforts of regional bodies such as the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), especially in promoting health and wellness across member states.

Dr. Ofili also expressed the MLSCN’s readiness to work closely with WAPCMLS to strengthen its mandate and ensure that the fellows of the college are duly recognized within the public service sector. He called on the fellows to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, urging them to continue distinguishing themselves through excellence in service, research, and clinical diagnostics.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Ofili emphasized that the path forward for medical laboratory science in West Africa lies in embracing technological innovation, fostering collaboration, and committing to continuous improvement. Through this shared vision, he believes that both MLSCN and WAPCMLS can collectively elevate healthcare standards and drive the region toward a future where quality diagnosis and laboratory services are accessible to all.

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