Nigeria Chapter of WAPCMLS Hosts Training on Foundations of Laboratory Leadership and Management
Chapter of WAPCMLS Hosts Training on Foundations of Laboratory Leadership and Management
The Nigeria Chapter of the West Africa Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS) has successfully concluded intensive training on the Foundations of Laboratory Leadership and Management (FLLM). The training was divided into two groups, the Training of Trainers (ToT) program on the Foundations of Laboratory Leadership and Management (FLLM). The intensive program was held at the APIN Office, Apo Resettlement Area, Abuja, between August 30 and September 6, 2025 while the Foundation of Laboratory Leadership and Management (FLLM) Batch B was held at Catholic Secretariat in Abuja from 31st August to 6th September 2025.
The ToT brought together selected senior academics from universities across Nigeria, with participants drawn from three Federal Universities (Federal University Otuoke, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Sokoto, and University of Jos), two State Universities (Edo State University, Iyamho, and Enugu State University of Technology), and one Private University (Babcock University, Ogun State).
Four senior academics from the Medical Laboratory Science faculties and departments of these institutions were rigorously trained over five days on the FLLM modules, after which they were examined for three consecutive days on their competence to facilitate and deliver the training modules.
This process ensured that participants not only mastered the content but also demonstrated the capacity to transmit leadership and management skills effectively to postgraduate students and other health leaders through short courses, workshops, or seminars.
The facilitators for the ToT included:
Prof. Musa Abidemi Muhibi, Nigeria Chapter Chairman of WAPCMLS, who also spearheaded the design and execution of the program.
Dr. Stella Udoh, Administrator at WAPCMLS Regional Office.
Prof. Humphrey Nwobodo, Enugu State University of Technology.
Dr. Toyosi Raheem, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research. Yaba Lagos
The Batch B training was designed for a cohort of 30 fellows of WAPCMLS drawn from Federal, State, and Private Universities. Participants also included Directors of Medical Laboratory Services from both public and private establishments, a senior military officer, a sitting Vice Chancellor, and a Director from a multinational company. This diverse participation reflected the strategic goal of enhancing leadership and problem-solving capacities across health facilities, with the ultimate vision of strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system to enviable heights.
The vision for this training emanated from the Nigeria Chapter Chairman of WAPCMLS, Prof. Musa Abidemi Muhibi, who was central to its planning and execution. Under his leadership, the training was structured to cover strategic leadership, effective communication, laboratory quality management systems, human resource development, financial management, and change management in healthcare laboratories. Practical sessions and group activities provided participants with real-world scenarios for decision-making and collaborative problem-solving.
Facilitators included Dr. Ogunwale Kolawole of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Dr. Okoro Chinyere of the Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri, Imo State, and Dr. Lawrena Okoro, Director of Accreditation, Nigeria National Accreditation System, Mr Livinus Ibang among others.
A special highlight of the program was the appearance of Prof. James Damen (mni), former President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN). Drawing from his experiences at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, he inspired participants on how to translate policy-level leadership principles into practical strategies within professional associations and healthcare institutions.
The training was successful, with 29 members certified.
At the closing ceremony, Prof. Musa Abidemi Muhibi emphasized the importance of investing in laboratory leadership as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable quality in medical laboratory systems, not only in Nigeria but across the West African sub-region.
Several participants described the workshop as eye-opening and timely, aligning with Nigeria’s aspirations to adopt international best practices and accreditation standards, including ISO 15189:2022.
This initiative is part of WAPCMLS’s ongoing commitment to building a new generation of medical laboratory leaders who will champion innovation, accountability, and excellence in the profession.