Uphold higher standard of safety, Akinyala charges pioneer MLS graduands
By Mustafa Abubakar
A Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Jos, A. I. Akinyala, has challenged the newly inducted graduands of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), University of Ilorin, to become solution providers, uphold the highest standards of safety, embrace innovation and remain committed to giving back to their alma mater as they prepare to shape the future of healthcare.
Delivering the keynote address, titled “Paving the Unbeaten Path: The Responsibilities and Opportunities of Pioneer Medical Laboratory Scientists at the University of Ilorin,” at the Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the pioneer graduating class held penultimate Friday (July 24, 2026), at the University Auditorium, Prof. Akinyala described the graduation as a historic milestone, saying that the pioneer class would define the reputation of the programme for generations to come.
He noted that the graduands had become standard-bearers whose competence, integrity and professionalism would determine how future graduates of the University would be perceived nationally and internationally.
Prof. Akinyala urged the graduates to remain resilient despite infrastructural deficits, limited resources and systemic challenges confronting the nation’s healthcare sector.
“Be a solution provider who improves safety and advocates for systemic improvement. And then, give back to your alma mater,” he charged.
According to him, the pioneer graduates had successfully navigated rigorous academic training, practical laboratory exercises and accreditation processes and now bear the responsibility of setting the standard for every Medical Laboratory Science graduate the University would produce.
He explained that Medical Laboratory Science remains the bedrock of modern healthcare, noting that more than 70 per cent of clinical decisions depend on accurate laboratory investigations. He, therefore, urged the inductees to uphold quality assurance, ethical standards, patient confidentiality and interprofessional collaboration while serving as worthy ambassadors of the University of Ilorin.
Prof. Akinyala reminded them that every laboratory result has direct implications for patient care, stressing the importance of strict adherence to Internal Quality Control (IQC), External Quality Assessment (EQA) and internationally accepted laboratory procedures.
“In the laboratory, an error is not a simple mistake; it is a life altered,” he cautioned.
He encouraged the graduates to explore opportunities in public health, epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine development, biosafety, biosecurity, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), biotechnology and global health, expressing confidence that many of them would build successful careers with organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, ECOWAS, the West African Health Organisation and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
He also urged them to embrace entrepreneurship by establishing accredited diagnostic laboratories, molecular diagnostic centres and biotechnology enterprises rather than depending solely on paid employment.
Prof. Akinyala appealed to the University Management and Governing Council to upgrade the Department of Medical Laboratory Science into a Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, describing the graduation of the pioneer class as sufficient justification for the elevation.
He also recommended a review of the curriculum to include Laboratory Management and Bio-enterprise, explaining that graduates should possess entrepreneurial and managerial skills in addition to scientific competence.
He further advocated the establishment of a modern molecular diagnostic laboratory capable of serving hospitals and other healthcare institutions while generating sustainable revenue for the University.
Drawing from the experience of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, he disclosed that a molecular laboratory established in the institution generated more than ₦320 million in revenue in 2025. He expressed confidence that the University of Ilorin could replicate the feat and offered his support towards establishing a similar facility.
Prof. Akinyala equally called for the commencement of specialised postgraduate programmes in Biosafety and Biosecurity, Vaccine Design, Laboratory Information Management Systems and Molecular Diagnostics, saying that such programmes would distinguish the University of Ilorin as a leading institution in Medical Laboratory Science education and research.
He predicted that within the next decade members of the pioneer class would emerge as professors, chief executive officers, laboratory managers, vaccine scientists, biosafety experts and globally recognised researchers.
Sharing a personal experience, Prof. Akinyala recalled donating laboratory equipment to the University of Jos after completing his Ph.D., an initiative that contributed to the establishment of the institution’s first molecular laboratory.
He urged the graduands to remember the Department that nurtured them by supporting it through mentorship, equipment donations, collaborative research and active alumni participation. He also proposed the institutionalisation of an annual Medical Laboratory Science Alumni Week to strengthen ties between graduates and the Department.
Prof. Akinyala commended parents, guardians, lecturers and members of the Faculty for their sacrifices and dedication in nurturing the pioneer graduates into qualified professionals.
He urged the newly inducted Medical Laboratory Scientists to walk the unbeaten path with confidence, professionalism and integrity.
“The unbeaten path is now before you. It may be demanding, but it is rich with promise. Walk in it with pride, execute your duties with precision and lead with unwavering integrity. Go forth and show the world what it truly means to be Better by Far”, he said.
