The Federal Government has urged the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) to enforce discipline, eliminate quackery, accredit institutions under strict standards, and ensure that laboratory services across the country remain reliable and globally competitive.

The charge was given by Minister of State for Health, Dr Adekunle Salako, at the 12th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony for over 400 foreign-trained medical laboratory science graduates, coinciding with the commissioning of the reconstructed MLSCN Golden Arena in Abuja.

Salako emphasised the crucial role of laboratory services in safeguarding Nigerians against preventable diagnostic errors and in supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He noted that quality laboratory services reduce errors, prevent unnecessary repeat tests, cut waste, and ensure affordable, efficient care.

“Strong regulatory institutions are indispensable to a robust health system,” Salako said. “Through enhanced regulation, improved training, and ongoing reforms, we are building quality-assurance mechanisms to protect public health and restore confidence in laboratory services nationwide.”

He stressed that precise, timely, and reliable laboratory results are essential for early disease detection, outbreak response, and effective public health interventions.

“Your competence inspires investor confidence, stimulates local production of diagnostic tools, and reduces reliance on imports,” he added.
Earlier, MLSCN Acting Registrar, Dr Donald Ofili, urged the inductees to embrace life-long learning in emerging fields such as molecular diagnostics and digital health. He warned that the council’s disciplinary tribunal is active and that any professional engaging in unwholesome practices will face strict prosecution.

Ofili explained that the inductees completed a rigorous 12-month adaptation programme across accredited teaching hospitals in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The programme was designed to bridge gaps between foreign curricula and Nigeria’s unique disease patterns and operational realities. “Inductees were immersed in high-pressure diagnostic environments, developed practical competencies, and honed the discipline required for safe and accurate laboratory practice,” he said.

He further reminded the inductees that as custodians of diagnostic truth, their work directly guides clinical judgment, informs public health strategy, and determines treatment outcomes. “Precision is mandatory, ethics are non-negotiable, and human life is directly influenced by decisions you make at the bench,” Ofili stressed.