MEDICAL MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (MLSCN) URGES CALM AND UNITY AMIDST UNIVERSITY ACCREDITATION CONCERNS AND LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

 PRESS RELEASE

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (MLSCN) URGES CALM AND UNITY AMIDST UNIVERSITY ACCREDITATIONC ONCERNS AND LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

In light of the recent circular from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on accreditation of academic programmes, and the ongoing leadership discussions within the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) hereby encourages Medical Laboratory Scientists and other stakeholders to remain calm. The Council, however, wishes to state as follows:

Regarding the NUC Circular on University Accreditation:

The Council is fully aware of the circular from the National Universities Commission (NUC) concerning the stoppage of multiple accreditations of academic programmes by professional bodies. We understand the anxieties this circular may generate within our profession, especially concerning the future of Medical Laboratory Science education and practice in Nigeria.

The MLSCN wishes to assure all Medical Laboratory Scientists that the Council is actively and robustly engaging with the relevant authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the National Universities Commission, to address this critical issue. While we continue to leverage the appropriate strategies to safeguard our statutory mandate in ensuring the quality and standards of medical laboratory science education in the country, we encourage Medical Laboratory Scientists to exercise extreme restraint from making any public statements or releases on this matter. Such actions, while well-intentioned, could inadvertently undermine the delicate ongoing negotiations and compromise the Council’s efforts to secure the best outcome for the profession. Please be assured that your Council is fully engaged and committed to resolving this matter in the best interest of the profession and public health.

Regarding the AMLSN Leadership Transition and Related Matters:

The MLSCN acknowledges the recent leadership issues within the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria. We also acknowledge the efforts of the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako who, on May 13, 2025, assigned the new headship of the Ministerial reconciliation committee to the Acting Registrar/CEO, MLSCN to amicably resolve all outstanding issues.

In the spirit of unity and progress, the MLSCN urges all parties involved in the ongoing leadership tussle within the Association to immediately cease all extra-legal moves, except for existing and ongoing legal actions. It is imperative that all stakeholders give due opportunity to the committee set up by the Honourable Minister of State for Health to execute its mandate without interference.

A Clarion Call for Decorum, Unity, and Oneness:

At this crucial time, the Medical Laboratory Science profession in Nigeria faces significant challenges and opportunities. It is paramount that we approach these with decorum, unity, and a commitment to the greater good of our profession and the health of the Nigerian populace. Disunity and unnecessary public pronouncements only serve to weaken our collective voice and distract from our primary mission.

While encouraging all Medical Laboratory Scientists to continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, MLSCN would continue to canvass dialogue, reconciliation and collaboration for the advancement of Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria.

Our strength lies in our unity!

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Signed:

MANAGEMENT

May 22, 2025