The Federal Government has approved the appointment of Dr. Donald Ibe Ofili as the substantive Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) following a rigorous, transparent and merit-based selection process.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako disclosed this during the presentation of letter of appointment to the new Registrar on Tuesday in Abuja.

Salako explained that the process for appointing the substantive Registrar was conducted in accordance with due process and the provisions of the law establishing the Council, disclosing that vacancies were advertised in two national newspapers, after which applications were received and assessed against clearly defined criteria.

During the interview, the Minister, noted that some petitions were received and subjected to legal review and found not to invalidate the process, which resulted that Dr. Ofili emerged as the top candidate among the five shortlisted candidates and subsequently recommended for the appointment.

“We have gone through a diligent and strict process. Having emerged as the best candidate, it became necessary for us to ensure that the acting position was quickly regularized so that the Council can continue to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities under a substantive leadership,” the Minister said.

The Minister emphasized the critical role of medical laboratory science in healthcare delivery, describing accurate diagnosis as the cornerstone of effective medical practice, charging the substantive Registrar to provide purposeful leadership that would strengthen regulation, enhance professional standards and promote the advancement of medical laboratory science in Nigeria.

“Without correct diagnosis, healthcare practitioners would be operating in uncertainty. Medical laboratory science helps to provide the evidence needed for quality healthcare and remains indispensable to our health system,” he said.

The Minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting all healthcare professions and fostering collaboration among healthcare workers in pursuit of improved health outcomes for Nigerians.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Daju Kachollom represented by the Director Overseeing the Office of PSH, and Director Human Resource, Tetshoma Dafeta, encouraged the new Registrar to consider staff Welfare and adherence to administrative procedures as top priority.

“And that the council should endeavour to liaise with the ministry in all matters, especially the office of the minister who supervises the council. And on all issues of appointments, promotion and discipline, because the ministry also has some form of oversight. And it is also worthy to note that it is important that you work well with the ministry.” Daju advised .

In his remarks , Dr. Donald Ibe Ofili expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government and the Ministry for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to justify the appointment through dedicated service, assuring stakeholders that the Council would continue to effectively discharge its regulatory mandate while aligning its activities with the strategic objectives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

Ofili pledged to strengthen regulatory oversight, uphold professional standards in medical laboratories across the country, improve staff welfare and maintain a conducive working environment within the Council, promising to work closely with professional associations and stakeholders to sustain peace, unity and progress within the medical laboratory science profession.

The newly appointed Registrar commended the Honourable Minister for overseeing a credible and transparent appointment process and for his efforts in promoting harmony within the profession.

The presentation ceremony was attended by Management Staff of council and that of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The appointment takes effect immediately and is for a tenure of four years as provided by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Act.