Medical Lab Scientists Hail Ofili’s Appointment as Substantive MLSCN Registrar
By Ojoma Akor
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has welcomed the appointment of Dr. Donald Ofili as the substantive Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
The National President of the association, Dr Ifeanyi Casmir, said members of the profession were “overwhelmed with joy” following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of Dr. Ofili’s appointment.
Speaking during a congratulatory visit to the newly appointed registrar in Abuja, he described the decision as a significant step toward strengthening quality assurance and laboratory regulation in Nigeria.
He said that Dr. Ofili was appointed acting registrar in April 2025 by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare following the death of the council’s former Registrar and CEO, Prof. Tosan Erhabor.
He highlighted that Dr. Ofili demonstrated exceptional leadership during his tenure in an acting capacity, recording milestones that have elevated the global standing of Nigeria’s medical laboratory regulatory system.
He said one of Ofili’s major achievements was the council’s admission to the Global Accreditation Cooperation. This development enables laboratories accredited by the MLSCN to attain international recognition comparable to that of accredited laboratories in countries such as the United States, Canada and India.
Dr Casmir said that the council had earlier secured membership of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation, further strengthening its international credibility.
The AMLSN president said these recognitions now position the council to extend laboratory accreditation services beyond Nigeria to other African countries and the wider international community.
“This is not only a victory for medical laboratory scientists but also for the Nigerian healthcare system,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for their roles in facilitating the appointment.
While describing the appointment as “a new dawn” for the medical laboratory science profession in Nigeria, he said that Dr. Ofili’s leadership would further strengthen laboratory quality standards, regulatory oversight and patient safety across the country.
He said, “This is a new dawn for medical laboratory science practice in Nigeria. AMLSN is confident that under Dr. Donald Ofili’s leadership, the council will continue to strengthen quality standards, safeguard patient safety and advance the profession both nationally and internationally.”
Dr Casmir added that laboratory-generated data account for over 70 percent of the information used in public health planning, disease surveillance, electronic medical records, and health facility revenue generation.
He further said that having a regulator committed to quality will improve patient safety and enhance confidence in laboratory testing services across both public and private health facilities.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of MLSCN, Dr. Donald Ofili, said the council remains committed to safeguarding public health through effective regulation of medical laboratory practice.
He said the council’s mandate includes developing and enforcing regulatory guidelines to ensure medical laboratory practitioners comply with quality standards that guarantee accurate test results for patient care.
Dr Ofili said the council currently operates 14 state offices across the country and maintains a database of more than 4,000 medical laboratories, all of which are monitored through routine inspections by trained and competent inspectors.
“We monitor laboratories through supervisory visits to ensure the reliability and accuracy of test results for patient safety and the protection of public health,” he said.
Over 30 laboratories attain global recognition.
The MLSCN boss also disclosed that more than 30 medical laboratories across Nigeria have received international accreditation after meeting globally recognized quality standards.
He said the achievement followed the council’s admission as an associate member of the GLOBAC, which enables it to assess laboratories against the internationally recognized ISO 15189:2022 standard for medical laboratory quality and competence.
He explained that accreditation differs from routine inspection, noting that while inspection certifies compliance with regulatory requirements for operation, accreditation provides independent international recognition of a laboratory’s quality management system and technical competence.
The registrar also revealed that the council recently conducted a statewide inspection exercise in Delta State, during which several laboratories were found to be operating unethically.
While many laboratories complied with regulatory requirements, he said some facilities were sealed and would remain closed until they fully comply with the council’s standards.
Harmonious relationship with pathologists
Addressing concerns over the regulation of pathology laboratories, Ofili dismissed reports of conflict between the council and pathologists.
He explained that the council regulates medical laboratory scientists, technicians and assistants, while medical doctors, including pathologists, are regulated by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
He said, “We have a very harmonious relationship with pathologists. We implement the mandate given to us by law.”
No room for quack laboratories
The registrar warned that individuals operating laboratories without qualified personnel would not be tolerated.
According to him, the council promptly investigates suspected cases of illegal practice and seals facilities operated by unqualified persons.
“There is no space for quacks in this sector. Once we establish that a laboratory is being operated by unqualified personnel, we seal it,” he said.