The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Professor Clement Adebooye, has charged newly inducted medical laboratory scientists of the institution to uphold diligence, accuracy and empathy in the discharge of their professional responsibilities, warning that errors in laboratory investigations could endanger human lives.
Prof Adebooye gave the charge during the university’s second induction ceremony for medical laboratory scientists, where 54 inductees were formally admitted into the profession.
The vice-chancellor described medical laboratory scientists as critical first responders in healthcare delivery, noting that their findings guide doctors in diagnosing diseases and determining appropriate treatments for patients.
“You are in the scheme of first responders. The accuracy of your work would significantly influence medical decisions and patient outcomes.
“The results of what you do determine what the doctor will do. You are the navigator. Inaccurate laboratory results could misdirect medical practitioners and lead to inappropriate treatment,” he said.
Adebooye warned that “the survival of the patient is also in balance. Patients’ chances of recovering from illnesses depend partly on the reliability of laboratory investigations.”
He challenged the new professionals to be diligent in collecting, handling and analysing specimens, explaining that laboratory tests involving liver and kidney functions, blood sugar, urine, microbiology and other clinical investigations require precision and professional competence.
The vice-chancellor also urged the inductees to demonstrate empathy when attending to patients, particularly during sample collection and other procedures that could cause discomfort or anxiety.
“You have to persuade that person. Communicate respectfully with patients and recognise the human considerations involved in their work,” he advised.
Adebooye cautioned that professional mistakes could have far-reaching consequences for families and individuals.
“An error in your work can deny a family their breadwinner. Inaccurate results and wrong diagnoses could contribute to serious medical complications, including reproductive problems,” he highlighted.
He also harped on the importance of accuracy in DNA and other specialised laboratory investigations, urging the inductees to ensure that appropriate samples were collected from the correct sources before drawing conclusions from test results.
Earlier, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Daniel Adekanle, congratulated the 54 inductees, describing medical laboratory science as one of the fundamental pillars of modern healthcare delivery.
Prof Adekanle said laboratory investigations were essential for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, disease prevention and patient monitoring.
He urged the new professionals to uphold integrity, compassion and diagnostic accuracy, assuring them of the college’s continued commitment to academic excellence, practical training, improved laboratory facilities and professional development.
He also acknowledged the contributions of university staff, clinical training partners, the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, parents and guardians to the inductees’ achievements.
The Registrar/CEO of the Medical and Laboratory Scientists Council of Nigeria, MLSCN, Dr Donald Ofili represented by Shehu Okanlawon requested the university to commence postgraduate programmes in the faculty.