FG Appoints Dr. Donald Ofili as MLSCN Registrar
FG Appoints Dr. Donald Ofili as MLSCN Registrar
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), a development widely regarded as a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to strengthen healthcare regulation, diagnostic services, and professional standards within the health sector.
The appointment, which followed a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based selection process, was formally announced by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the presentation of the appointment letter at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Salako emphasized the indispensable role of medical laboratory science in modern healthcare delivery, describing accurate diagnosis as the foundation upon which effective treatment and quality patient care are built.
According to the Minister, the process leading to Dr. Ofili’s appointment adhered strictly to the provisions of the law establishing the Council and reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in public service.
He disclosed that the vacancy was publicly advertised in national newspapers, after which applications were received, assessed, and shortlisted candidates subjected to a comprehensive evaluation process.
The Minister explained that although petitions were received during the exercise, they were subjected to legal scrutiny and found not to affect the integrity of the selection process. At the conclusion of the exercise, Dr. Ofili emerged as the highest-ranked candidate among the shortlisted applicants and was subsequently recommended for appointment.
“We have gone through a diligent and strict process. Having emerged as the best candidate, it became necessary for us to regularize the leadership of the Council under a substantive Registrar so that it can continue to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities,” Dr. Salako stated.
The Minister further noted that medical laboratory services remain central to healthcare delivery and public health interventions, stressing that healthcare professionals depend heavily on accurate laboratory results to make informed clinical decisions.
“Without correct diagnosis, healthcare practitioners would be operating in uncertainty. Medical laboratory science provides the evidence required for quality healthcare and remains indispensable to our health system,” he said.
Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting all healthcare professions while promoting collaboration among healthcare workers to improve health outcomes for Nigerians.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, represented by the Director overseeing the Office and Director of Human Resources, Tetshoma Dafita, urged the new Registrar to prioritize staff welfare, institutional harmony, and strict adherence to administrative procedures.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining close collaboration with the supervising ministry, particularly on matters relating to appointments, promotions, discipline, and policy implementation, noting that effective coordination between the Council and the Ministry would be essential for achieving shared objectives.
Dr Donald Ofili, MLSCN Registrar
Responding after receiving his appointment letter, Dr. Ofili expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government and the Ministry for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to justify the trust through dedicated and result-oriented service.
He assured stakeholders that the Council would continue to effectively discharge its statutory mandate while aligning its operations with the strategic priorities of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
The newly appointed Registrar outlined his vision for the Council, which includes strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing professional standards, improving quality assurance systems, promoting staff welfare, and creating a conducive working environment for optimal productivity.
Dr. Ofili also pledged to deepen engagement with professional associations, healthcare institutions, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to sustain peace, unity, and progress within the medical laboratory science profession.
He commended the Honourable Minister for overseeing a transparent and credible appointment process and acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Ministry to promote harmony and professionalism within the healthcare sector.
Healthcare stakeholders have described the appointment as timely, noting that Nigeria’s healthcare system increasingly relies on robust laboratory infrastructure and effective regulation to tackle emerging health challenges, strengthen disease surveillance, improve patient outcomes, and support national health security.
As the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria enters a new phase of leadership, expectations remain high that Dr. Ofili’s extensive experience, professional expertise, and commitment to excellence will further strengthen the Council’s role in advancing laboratory medicine and supporting the Federal Government’s broader healthcare transformation agenda.
The appointment takes immediate effect and is for a renewable tenure of four years as provided under the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Act.