The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Clement Adebooye, has urged newly qualified medical laboratory scientists to uphold accuracy, professionalism and ethical standards, warning that errors in laboratory testing could have serious consequences for patients.

Adebooye gave the charge on Thursday in Osogbo during the university’s second induction and oath-taking ceremony for 54 newly qualified medical laboratory scientists.

The inductees comprised two first-class graduates, 26 second-class upper graduates, 24 second-class lower graduates and two third-class graduates.

The vice-chancellor stressed that medical laboratory scientists played a critical role in healthcare delivery, as their test results often informed doctors’ diagnoses and treatment decisions.

He urged the new professionals to exercise diligence and sound judgment when collecting and handling samples, conducting laboratory investigations and reporting results.

According to him, inaccurate results could lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment and other complications that could put patients’ lives at risk.

Adebooye also encouraged the inductees to embrace continuous professional development and remain committed to the standards governing medical laboratory practice.

Earlier, the Provost of UNIOSUN’s College of Health Sciences, Prof. Daniel Adekanle, urged the newly inducted scientists to demonstrate competence, integrity and professionalism in their respective workplaces.

Adekanle noted that medical laboratory scientists were essential to effective healthcare delivery because their findings helped medical practitioners make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment.

He also called for stronger training in colleges of health sciences to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to meet professional requirements.

The provost urged the inductees to remain competent and committed to quality service, stressing that sound training and strict adherence to professional ethics were vital to improving healthcare outcomes.

Also speaking, the Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Donald Ofili, formally declared the inductees qualified to practise the profession.

Ofili, who was represented by Dr Shehu Okanlawon, urged the new professionals to remain disciplined and dedicated to their responsibilities.

He explained that the induction was part of the council’s statutory duties under its enabling laws, adding that the ceremony marked the formal admission of the graduates into the medical laboratory science profession.