The Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Niger Delta University (NDU), held its 12th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session on 25th June 2026 at the University Auditorium, Main Campus. The ceremony, themed “Building Professionalism, Communication Skills and Leadership Capacity in the Laboratory”, marked the formal transition of graduating students into the medical laboratory profession.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Jonah Akekere, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, the Provost colledge of health sciences, Professor Jeremiah Israel, Professor Mie-ebi Wankasi, Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Professor Ferdinand Ezeiruaku and other university officials, professional representatives, lecturers, parents, and well-wishers.
Delivering the keynote address, the Dean Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Portharcourt, Rivers State, Professor Ebirien-Agana S. Bartimeaus, charged the inductees to see themselves as critical players in Nigeria’s healthcare system. He described medical laboratory scientists as the “last line of defense”, emphasizing their role in combating major health challenges such as non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and disease outbreaks. Prof. Bartimeaus highlighted three essential pillars for a successful career in medical laboratory science: professionalism, communication, and leadership. He urged the new professionals to maintain accuracy and integrity in their practice, stressing that incorrect laboratory results could have serious consequences on human lives.
He also encouraged them to develop strong communication skills, noting that laboratory scientists must effectively relate with patients, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. According to him, leadership goes beyond occupying positions; it involves improving systems and making positive contributions wherever they are assigned.
During the induction, the 69 graduands took the Medical Laboratory Science oath administered by Dr Gregory Uchuno Director, Medical Laboratory Scientists’ Regulation & Discipline. The oath emphasized commitment to patient care, confidentiality, professional ethics, respect for colleagues, continuous learning, and the rejection of malpractice, including the production of false laboratory results. The inductees were also reminded to practice within their areas of specialization and uphold professional standards as they begin their careers. They were welcomed into the professional community by MLS Eunice Ayamaere Lelei Suotiegha, Chairman AMLSN Bayelsa and encouraged to actively participate in the activities of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), including professional development opportunities and networking platforms.
The ceremony also featured the recognition of outstanding students across the four major areas of specialization: Medical Microbiology, Histopathology, Chemical Pathology, and Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science.
The overall best graduating student, Geku Favour Bolouere, emerged with a CGPA of 4.72 and was also recognized as the best student in Medical Microbiology. Other award recipients included Baratuaipre Karina, who was awarded best in Chemical Pathology and received a cash award from MLSCN, Nduka Precious Kelechi, recognized as best in Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science; and Ekeremobeke Ebimobo-Ere Princess, who emerged best in Histopathology. Baratuaipre Karina was also honoured for the best seminar presentation.
In her valedictory address, Geku Favour Bolouere speaking on behalf of the inductees, expressed gratitude to the university, lecturers, parents, and mentors for their sacrifices and support. She reflected on the challenges of the academic journey, including sleepless nights, pressure, and moments of difficulty, but emphasized perseverance and determination as the keys to their success. She described the induction as not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a reminder of the responsibility placed on them as healthcare professionals.
The ceremony ended with a strong charge to the new medical laboratory scientists to uphold competence, integrity, innovation, and impactful service, carrying forward the values of professionalism and leadership as they enter the healthcare workforce.
