The Federal Government has appointed Dr. Donald Ibe Ofili as the substantive Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
The appointment was announced on Tuesday by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the presentation of the letter of appointment to the new Registrar/CEO at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Salako said the appointment followed a rigorous, transparent and merit-based selection process conducted in line with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Act. He explained that the vacancy was advertised in two national newspapers, with applications reviewed and candidates assessed based on clearly defined criteria.
According to the Minister, petitions received during the process were subjected to legal review and found not to invalidate the exercise, leading to Dr. Ofili emerging as the best candidate among the shortlisted applicants.
He stressed the importance of medical laboratory science in healthcare delivery, noting that accurate diagnosis remains the foundation of effective medical practice.
“Without correct diagnosis, healthcare practitioners would be operating in uncertainty. Medical laboratory science provides the evidence needed for quality healthcare and remains indispensable to our health system,” Salako said.
The Minister charged the new Registrar to provide purposeful leadership, strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance professional standards and advance the practice of medical laboratory science in Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S, represented by the Director Human Resource, Tetshoma Dafeta, urged Dr. Ofili to prioritise staff welfare, administrative compliance and effective collaboration with the Ministry.
Responding, Dr. Ofili expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the confidence placed in him, pledging to strengthen the Council’s regulatory mandate, improve staff welfare and work with stakeholders to promote unity and progress within the profession.
He assured that the Council would align its activities with the Ministry’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative while maintaining professional standards across medical laboratories nationwide.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, is for a four-year tenure in accordance with the MLSCN Act.
