MLSCN Reforms Gain Momentum Under Dr. Donald Ofili
MLSCN Reforms Gain Momentum Under Dr. Donald Ofili
From September 1st to 6th, 2025, I was in Abuja to attend the Foundations of Laboratory Leadership and Management (FLLM) program, organized by the West Africa Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS). During this period, I also paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Registrar/CEO of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr. Donald Ofili, to commend him for his remarkable leadership and the bold reforms he has championed within a short time in office.
Indeed, Dr. Ofili has demonstrated a strong commitment to repositioning MLSCN, and he deserves the support and cooperation of all stakeholders in the profession. Under his stewardship, the Council has accelerated reforms that are restoring confidence in medical laboratory practice and strengthening diagnostic services nationwide.
Tackling Quackery
In recent months, MLSCN enforcement teams, under Dr. Ofili’s directive, have sealed several unlicensed and substandard laboratories in Lagos and Ogun States. This renewed crackdown is part of a wider national strategy to curb quackery and safeguard patient lives. “The era of quack laboratories is coming to an end,” Dr. Ofili affirmed, emphasizing that only laboratories that meet professional standards will be permitted to operate. Plans are also underway to commence nationwide inspections before the end of the year.
Driving Accreditation
Another priority of Dr. Ofili’s leadership is accreditation. He has consistently urged laboratories to adopt the newly released ISO 15189:2022 standard, noting that accreditation is central to ensuring the global recognition of Nigerian laboratory results. Such alignment, he explained, is also essential for the country’s effective participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
My Visit to the Acting Registrar
Innovation and Partnerships
At the 5th Regional Conference of WAPCMLS in Lagos, MLSCN reaffirmed its commitment to embracing innovation in modern diagnostics, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health tools. Its collaboration with WAPCMLS is designed to raise diagnostic standards not only in Nigeria but across the West African sub-region.
Strengthening Capacity
Internally, MLSCN is also strengthening its own capacity. Through training workshops focused on monitoring, evaluation, and performance management, the Council is enhancing staff efficiency. According to Dr. Ofili, the Council itself must embody the same high standards it expects from laboratories nationwide.
World Health Organization (WHO) Collaboration in capacity building for ISO 13485:2016, ISO 14971:2019 to enhance in vitro diagnostic regulatory capacity.
Nurturing the Future
In his address to newly inducted medical laboratory scientists at Babcock University, Dr. Ofili reminded young professionals of their roles in shaping the future of diagnostics in Nigeria. He encouraged them to uphold the values of ethics, confidentiality, and innovation, quality essentials for combining integrity with advancing technology in medical science.
Raising the Bar
With decisive enforcement, a strong push for international accreditation, and the embrace of digital innovation, MLSCN under Dr. Ofili is charting a new and transformative course for the Nigerian laboratory system. These reforms, stakeholders agree, are laying a foundation for safer, more reliable, and globally recognized diagnostic services.
MLSCN Gaining Global visibility
The influence of MLSCN’s reforms now extends beyond Nigeria. Recently, a delegation from the Gambia’s National Public Health Institute embarked on a six-day working tour of MLSCN. Their mission to understudy MLSCN’s activities as they develop a bill for establishing the Gambia Medical Laboratory Science Council. This recognition underscores MLSCN’s growing role as a continental reference point in laboratory science governance and regulation.