Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Kwara, on Tuesday, inducted 111 graduands into the Medical Laboratory Science profession.
The institution’s Head, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Prof. Abdulrazak Nuhu, made the disclosure at the 4th induction/oath taking ceremony in Malete.
Nuhu said four of the graduands had First Class division, 43 Second Class Upper, 51 Second Class Lower and 13 Third Class division.
He said that the names and account details of those in the First Class category had been forwarded to the Registrar/CEO of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr Tosan Erhabor, for the award of 50,000 naira each.
Nuhu commended Erhabor and management of MLSCN for counting the students worthy of being selected among the beneficiaries of the award, in recognition of their academic performances.
In his remarks, Erhabor said though induction ceremonies were usually with fanfare, the ‘deep-rooted’ essence was that it was a professional ritual marking the inductees’ transition from the phase of studentship to that of health professionals.
”The oath-taking aspect offers the inductees the platform to consciously and without coercion pledge their allegiance to the noble profession of medical laboratory science, which is currently the most sought-after profession in the health sector,” he said.
The MLSCN registrar urged the graduands to be exemplary as ambassadors of their alma mater and of the council.
”All eyes will be on you, as you become role models to subsequent generations of medical laboratory scientists.
”Let your conduct show that we are right to admit you into the profession and that you understand the sacredness of the professional oath you are about to take.
”I encourage you to always avoid all forms of unethical practices capable of tarnishing the name of MLSCN.
”On no account should you present yourself for NYSC deployment without first obtaining your practicing license. If you attempt to do so, be ready to face sanctions from the council,” he said.
Erhabor further commended the university authorities for their efforts in stabilising the medical laboratory programme in the institution.
”Such efforts have yielded positive results now, culminating in the timeous graduation and induction of the students.
”A few years ago, this sort of civilised arrangement and adherence to the MLSCN policy would have been a mirage.
”As you may recall, the council was so exasperated with this institution that it seemed inevitable that we would have to sever ties with it.
”Fortunately, by dint of hard work and tenacity of purpose, the university has restored normalcy,” he said.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, said that the induction of the graduands would bring the total of professional medical laboratory scientists produced by KWASU to 475.
”These are professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide effective human resources in the health care delivery in Nigeria and beyond.
”KWASU continues to prioritise the production of quality human resources in different sectors and our graduates have set the pace in many professions as diligent, hardworking, competent, visionary employers of labour.
”I wish to use this medium to counsel today’s inductees that this induction is just the beginning of your journey to building a career in this noble profession.
”Therefore, I urge you all to continue to pursue self-development so that you can fully utilise every opportunity that will come your way,” Jimoh said.