Health
Don Warns Lab Scientists Against Diagnostic Error, Harps On Integrity
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Vice-Chancellor, Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos State, Prof. Clement Kolawole, has charged newly-inducted Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) produced by the institution not to falsify test results or compromise quality control.
Kolawole said that such practices eendangered patients’ lives.
Kolawole gave the charge on Wednesday at the university’s third induction ceremony for its MLS.
He said that laboratory scientists must uphold accuracy, integrity and accountability.
“ The medical laboratory scientist is the brain behind diagnosis.
“A wrong result is worse than no result. Never falsify results or compromise quality control; your integrity is your most important reagent,” he said.
He urged the graduates to embrace emerging technologies and protect patients’ confidentiality.
Kolawole also advised them to pursue continuous professional development to strengthen diagnostic services and respond effectively to evolving healthcare challenges.
“Do not merely seek greener pastures; make the pasture where you stand greener through your competence, innovation and integrity,” he advised.
The Managing Consultant, Cuanu Consult Ltd., Mrs Nonye Umahi, urged the graduates to develop innovative solutions to healthcare delivery challenges.
She said that the new graduates should not limit their careers to routine laboratory practice.
Umahi said professional success should be measured by problems solved and value created, urging the MLS to explore opportunities in research, health technology, quality management, consulting and entrepreneurship.
“Your degree is not your destination and your profession is bigger than the laboratory.
“Ask what problems your knowledge can solve rather than merely seeking employment opportunities,” she said.
She also urged the fresh graduates to build professional networks and embrace lifelong learning, saying that identifying gaps and developing practical solutions would improve healthcare delivery.
In his valedictory speech, Mr Seun Olaitan recounted how academic difficulties in her second year nearly made him to abandon his studies.
He praised his course adviser then, Mrs Obiageri Okeoma, for encouraging him to move forward.
“I reached a breaking point at 200 level and considered quitting, but my level adviser, Mrs Obiageri Okeoma, encouraged me to persevere. Today, it has ended in praise,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony formally admitted the graduates into the medical laboratory science profession after five years of training. (NAN)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
