Fresh medical laboratory scientists enter Nigeria healthcare sector

CALABAR, Nigeria, Aug. 4 -- The Conference centre of the University of Calabar(UNICAL) Hotel was filled to the brim with parents, guardians, well-wishers and students from all walks of life.
All and sundry had come from the breadth and length of the country to share in the joy of the day with pomp and pageantry.
The inductees sumptuously dressed in academic regalia of gown and mortarboard, and beaming with smiles were cynosure of all eyes. It was a day of fulfilment for them.
The 9th induction/oath-taking ceremony commenced as the 2011/2012 fresh medical laboratory science graduates enter in the procession following the authority's at exactly 12:00 noon.
As they marched in they occupied the front row of seats reserved for them.

Declaring the event open, the chairman of the occasion and Vice chancellor, UNICAL, Prof. James Epoke in high spirits, praised the graduates for distinguishing themselves in learning and character.
The medical laboratory scientist, charged the inductees to adhere to the responsibilities that come with the oath-taking/induction ceremony stressing that the 'oath involves dealing with lives' which underscore the need to uphold the ethics and fundamentals of the profession at all times.

On his part, the Provost, college of Medicine, Prof. Saturday Etuk, welcomed especially parents of the graduates and dignitaries for turning out in their large numbers to grace the induction/oath-taking ceremony.
He reiterated the need for the inductees to maintain high standards in practice, which he noted has become the hallmark of graduates from college of medicine in recent times. He encouraged the inductees 'to keep their eyes on their goals always, stressing that otherwise they'll find themself phased out.'

The registrar/Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Medical Laboratory science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Prof. Anthony Emeribe, while commissioning the oath on the graduates, expressed pleasure at the high number of inductees harvested by the university in the event of her oath-taking/induction this year.
Prof. Emeribe, advised the Inductees to keep in pace with the dynamism of the profession through continuous self-development and taking advantage of the 'programmes and policies embarked upon by the council to facilitate the smooth practice of the profession'.

He advised them to guard the profession jealously as the future of the profession and lives of many rests solemnly on their shoulders..

'Work hard to keep pace with the profession which is metamorphosing. Don't allow the first degree to be the end of academic qualification you'll acquire in your lifetime' he noted.

About 127 Graduates of medical laboratory science were inducted, took oath as well as presented with the professional practice licence to embark on the One year compulsory internship.

20 out of the total inducted, the Head of Department, Medical laboratory science Dr. Paul Inyang-etoh noted were graduates from Ebonyi state University.

Receiving of the new inductees into the Professional body , the chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Science of Nigeria(AMLSN) Cross River state chapter, Dr. Paul Inyang-etoh congratulated them and advised them to identify themselves with a branch of the association in any state they happenstance find themselves for their one year internship programme.

He also reinforced the need for the inductees to work in harmony with other members of the health teams, respect seniors, avoid unethical behaviour and follow professional best practices stressing that with this the war against diseases will be won.

Akpan Uwem was presented with a certificate for being the best graduating student in this year's induction by Prof. Saturday Etuk, adding that it has become a culture to recognised best graduating students every year

The event which attracted creme la creme of society was anchored by a famous broadcaster with Cross River state broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) Chioma Nnoli.

In an induction lecture entitled 'the role of Medical Laboratory Science in Health Care Delivery', Prof. Eyong Eyong, who is also the Dean of students' affairs in the university noted that medical Investigation plays a pivotal role in correct diagnosis of a disease, emphasizing that the inductees should appreciate their own value and practice the profession with high sense of responsibility.

Dazzling dance steps and drama sketches to drive home the essence of the event by the University Of Calabar Performing Company were part of activities that mesmerised quest as well as added colour to the annual event.

Prof. Emmanuel Uko in his closing remark appreciated all for attending praying God to lead them back to their destinations safely.

An inductee, Shedrack Ebri in a chat with CAMPUSLIFE, was full of praises to God for scaling him through the wriggles and struggles of academic work, and promised to always settle for nothing other than excellence in the practice of the profession.