… As NMCN, IUO urge new nurses to uphold competence, best practices
By Edward Oseghe
The Registrar/CEO of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr. Donald Ofili; the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye; and a professor of Chemical Pathology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Onyenekwe, have charged newly inducted medical laboratory scientists of IUO to take active responsibility in strengthening Nigeria’s national health security architecture.
The call was made on Tuesday during the 16th oath-taking and induction ceremony of 64 newly qualified medical laboratory scientists held at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “National Health Security: The Critical Role of Medical Laboratory Scientists,” Prof. Onyenekwe said the essence of the address was to prepare the graduates for their collective role in safeguarding the nation’s health system.
He urged the inductees to uphold diligence, confidentiality, and integrity in the healthcare value chain, stressing that medical laboratory scientists are pivotal in shaping credible national health data.
“Do not expose the vulnerabilities of the citizens.
“Protect the integrity of laboratory results, and together we will strengthen the country’s health security architecture,” he warned.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor of IUO, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye—represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Raphael Adeghe—commended the immense support of the institution’s Chancellor, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Governing Council, and the dedicated staff of the College of Health Sciences.
Prof. Ezemonye described the new inductees as guardians of Nigeria’s health and wellbeing, noting that medical laboratory scientists play a crucial role in identifying underlying causes in medical conditions and guiding other healthcare professionals toward effective solutions.
“You have been trained in scientific principles and the ethics of your profession, which demand confidentiality, integrity, accuracy, and respect for persons.
“Hold firmly to these guiding principles to ensure high-quality, unbiased patient care, avoid conflicts of interest, maintain competence, and treat all samples and individuals with dignity. These values are essential for patient safety and public trust,” he said.
The high point of the event was the administration of the professional pledge and oath affirmation by the Acting Registrar/CEO of MLSCN, Dr. Donald Ofili, who was represented by Dr. Uchuno Gregory.
Similarly, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and Igbinedion University, Okada, have called on newly inducted nurses to uphold the highest standards of competence, ethics and evidence-based practice as they begin their professional careers.
The charge was given on Friday, December 5, in Okada, Edo State, during the oath-taking ceremony for 152 Bachelor of Nursing Science graduates of the university.
Delivering his address, the Registrar of the NMCN, Dr. Ndagi Al-Hassan—represented by Dr. Dorothy Ore—described the induction as a major milestone for the graduates, noting that the approval to practise carries immense responsibility.
“As polyvalent nurses, you are expected to render safe and quality healthcare services to patients and clients at all times,” he said.
Dr. Al-Hassan reminded the inductees that while their academic work had been completed, excellence in nursing requires humility, continuous learning and discipline.
“Be willing to learn from your colleagues. Accept corrections to avoid unnecessary mistakes. Improve and make adjustments positively,” he advised.
He further urged them to be “credible ambassadors” of the profession, upholding compassion, honesty and ethical conduct, while also encouraging them to pursue advanced degrees and embrace the diverse opportunities within the field.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye—represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raphael Adeghe—said the induction marked a defining transition from academic preparation to professional practice.
“Today marks a pivotal inflection point, a moment where academic accomplishment meets professional and ethical commitment,” he said.
He described the oath as a moral and professional covenant that must guide every decision the graduates make.
“The oath you take is not a shield from the realities of healthcare; it is an armour for navigating them with principle. Let your competence be your protest against mediocrity,” he stated.
Prof. Ezemonye noted that the world the graduates were entering demands resilience, leadership and a strong professional identity.
“You are not just healthcare workers; you are university-educated clinicians and leaders. As you step into the world, you carry the hopes of your families, the investment of this institution and the trust of the countless patients you will serve,” he added.
Delivering the induction lecture titled “The Competent Nurse: Adding Value to Patient Care Through Best Practices,” the Guest Speaker, Prof. Roselyn Esewe, stressed that patient recovery is greatly influenced by care that inspires confidence.
She said nurses must address patients’ concerns with empathy and ensure that clients always feel safe and cared for by competent hands.
