The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) on Thursday December 19, 2024 inducted Fifty-One (51) graduates of Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS), graduating class of 2024 into the Medical Laboratory Science Profession. The event took place at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre, CoMUI and was hosted by Professor T.O. Ogundiran (Provost, CoMUI).
Present at the ceremony were Professor K. O. Adebowale FAS, mni (Vice Chancellor, UI) represented by Professor Oyeronke Odunola (Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences), Professor J. A. Otegbayo (Chief Medical Director (CMD), UCH represented by Dr. Obaro Michael , Professor S.B. Olaleye (Deputy Provost, CoMUI), Mr. A. E. Odedele (Deputy Registrar and Secretary to the College), Mr. S.O. Ayansina (Financial Controller), and Dr. Grace Ajuwon (Medical Librarian). Others were Professor T. A. Lawal (Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences), Professor B. M. Kolude (Dean, Faculty of Dentistry), Professor M.D. Dairo(Dean, Faculty of Public Health),Professor F. A. Fehintola (Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences), Professor Prisca Adejumo (Dean, Faculty of Nursing) and Professor S.I. Omokhodion (President, Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide (ICOMAA-WW) represented by Dr. Olubukola Olaleye (Assistant General Secretary, ICOMMA). Also, in attendance were several Heads of Departments, members of teaching and non-teaching staff, parents of inductees, members of the press, friends and well-wishers.
Establishing the protocol at the induction ceremony, the Secretary to the College acknowledged eminent personalities who were present at the event. He heartily felicitated with the inductees on the successful completion of their Medical Laboratory Science Programme. He also rejoiced with the proud parents of the inductees.
In his address, the Provost, Professor T. O. Ogundiran encouraged the inductees to always uphold the values of integrity, compassion and excellence in service, as worthy ambassadors of the CoMUI. He pointed out that their five plus one years of rigorous academic and professional education and training under distinguished faculties of the Premier University has not only equipped them to solve healthcare problems; but also, to contribute their quotas in shaping a medical laboratory service provision system that is more inclusive, efficient and patient centered.
Giving the Chairman’s address, the Vice Chancellor congratulated the inductees and their parents on the auspicious occasion. He recalled the victory of resuscitating the BMLS programme in 2012 saying it was suspended in the 1966/67 academic session. Professor Adebowale commended the relentless efforts of the first Provost, Professor E. Oluwole Akande, current Provost, Professor T.O. Ogundiran and all those who have worked tirelessly towards the progress of BMLS programme despite all odds. He emphasized the continuous commitment of the university management towards ensuring the steady growth of Biomedical Laboratory Science (BMLS) programme in line with the mission and vision of the University.
While appreciating God for the privilege to witness the fifth BMLS induction ceremony, the Head of Department, BMLS, Professor I.O. Omotosho expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the Provost for the unflinching support enjoyed by the department over the years. He also applauded the kind gestures of Professor Saliu and some other individuals who have given generous donations to the department. He thereafter solicited for further assistance which could be in terms of funding, donation of equipment, manpower development, among others. .
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the official presentation of the BMLS inductees by the Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Professor Oyeronke Odunola to the Registrar, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Professor Tosan Erhabor. The Registrar, Professor Erhabor, was represented by Dr. Akinwale Akinlabi who oversaw the oath taking and presentation of provisional license to the inductees. While conducting the exercise, the Registrar described the medical laboratory science as the bedrock of all diagnostic services. He said BMLS induction ceremony is one of the crucial rituals in the profession’s calendar. He congratulated the inductees for being found worthy in character and learning despite the prevailing economic situation of the country. Professor Erhabor urged the inductees to take ethical matters of the profession seriously and be ready to explore the luxury of professional opportunities around them. He advised them not to rest on their oars but to keep improving their capacities through post graduate studies.
In his remarks, the CMD of UCH rejoiced with the graduands and their loved ones. He encouraged the inductees to embrace innovation, remain curious and uphold the ethics governing the sacred profession they have embraced, wherever they go.
Also, speaking at the occasion, Professor S.I. Omokhodion felicitated with the inductees and their parents for witnessing the glorious day. He enjoined the new Medical Laboratory Scientists to join the alumni body of the CoMUI and imbibe the spirit of giving back to their alma mater.
Another major spotlight of the ceremony was the session where awareness was created on Students related Projects, this was anchored by Professor T.O. Ogundiran. According to the Provost, four out of the six Students Hostel Building Projects have been commenced with generous donations from the alumni and friends of the CoMUI. He called on all well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists and friends of the college, across the globe to join the trail of those who have contributed immensely to the project to complete the remaining two blocks. He explained further the need for all medical students to live within the college premises as a prerequisite for the accreditation of the medical programmes of the CoMUI. In addition, Dr. Olabisi Osikanlu, Chairperson, Global Sponsor A Student Programme (GSASP)) and Dr, ‘Bose Adebayo (Secretary, GSASP) urged people of means, fellow alumni and parents of the inductees to come to the aid of the CoMUI indigent students and assist in generating funds to help such students to stay in school.
Thereafter, the Provost’s award for excellent participation in the community life was presented to Williams Timileyin Owoeye (male category) and Mayowa Margaret Awojide (female category) respectively.
Talking from her wealth of experience, Mrs. Mopelola Ogunlusi (Professional Elder) represented by Prince M. Ogundipe, enjoined the inductees to be team spirited, respect their senior colleagues and explore the limitless opportunities ahead of them in order to achieve their professional and life goals .
Other activities that added colour to the occasion were the address of the Valedictorian delivered by Daniel Chinaza Anyirionye, and the presentation of the BMLS’ 2024 ‘Aurora-Nova’ class documentary by Biomedical Communication Centre, among others.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Nse Odunaiya (Chairperson, College Ceremonials’ Committee). The programme was compered by Dr. ‘Bose Adebayo and Dr. S.T. Shittu.
BCC (CoMUI)