The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, has warned 54 newly inducted medical laboratory scientists that inaccurate test results could mislead doctors and put patients’ lives at risk.
Adebooye gave the warning at the university’s second induction ceremony for medical laboratory scientists, urging the new professionals to take accuracy seriously in their daily work.
He explained that doctors rely on laboratory findings to make decisions about diagnosis and treatment. A mistake in the laboratory, he said, could lead to the wrong treatment and affect a patient’s chances of recovery.
“The results of what you do determine what the doctor will do. You are the navigator. Inaccurate laboratory results could misdirect medical practitioners and lead to inappropriate treatment,” he said.
The vice-chancellor urged the inductees to handle every stage of laboratory testing with care, from collecting specimens to analysing them. He specifically mentioned investigations involving liver and kidney functions, blood sugar, urine and microbiology as areas where accuracy is essential.
Beyond technical competence, Adebooye said the scientists must also consider the people behind the samples. He urged them to communicate respectfully with patients, particularly those who may feel anxious or uncomfortable during sample collection.
“You have to persuade that person. Communicate respectfully with patients and recognise the human considerations involved in their work,” he advised.
He further warned that errors could have serious consequences for patients and their families. He also stressed the need for proper sample collection and accurate analysis in DNA testing and other specialised investigations.
Earlier, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Daniel Adekanle, congratulated the 54 inductees and described medical laboratory science as a key part of healthcare delivery.
Adekanle said laboratory investigations support disease diagnosis, treatment, prevention and patient monitoring. He urged the new professionals to maintain integrity, show compassion and produce reliable results.
He also assured them that the college would continue to support academic development, practical training, improved laboratory facilities and professional growth. He acknowledged the contributions of university staff, clinical training partners, the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), parents and guardians to the inductees’ success.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr Donald Ibe Ofili, was represented at the ceremony by Shehu Okanlawon. Ofili called on the university to introduce postgraduate programmes in medical laboratory science.
