The Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Donald Ibe Ofili, has lauded the strategic deployment of students to the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital. He described the initiative as a step in the right direction to ensure the production of professionals with strong practical training.
Dr Ofili gave this commendation during the 7th oath taking and induction ceremony held at the Mini Convocation Arena of the university in Malete. The event saw the induction of 53 graduates who have now been licensed to practice as medical laboratory scientists.
Represented by the Deputy Director of Scientists Registration and Discipline, Dr George Olajide, the Acting Registrar noted the seamless synergy between the Council and the university department. He commended the Vice Chancellor for his exemplary leadership.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaykh Luqman Jimoh, congratulated the inductees for completing the rigorous programme. He stated that the university is committed to combining theory with hands on experience through the use of its teaching hospital.
“Kwara State University is committed to providing practical learning experience that combines theory with hands on experience. This is reflected in our use of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital for clinical training, ensuring that our students gain the skills needed for professional practice,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
He highlighted that the conversion of the Ilorin General Hospital into KWASUTH has significantly improved clinical training for 300 to 500 level students. He charged the newly inducted scientists to build on the knowledge acquired, stressing that the healthcare sector requires resourceful professionals who can think critically.
Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Moyosore Salihu Ajao, disclosed that the department continues to contribute to the healthcare sector both locally and internationally. The Coordinator of the Department, Mr Abdulrazaq Mustapha, provided the breakdown of the graduating class. He revealed that 2 graduates earned First Class Honours, 22 obtained Second Class Honours Upper Division, 22 graduated with Second Class Honours Lower Division, while 7 earned Third Class degrees.
The license granted to the inductees allows them to practice after completing the mandatory one year internship and the National Youth Service Corps. This induction brings the total number of medical laboratory scientists produced by the institution to 765.
