The federal government has appointed Donald Ofili as the substantive registrar and chief executive officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, formally presented the appointment letter to Mr Ofili on Tuesday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The ministry’s assistant director of information and public relations, Ado Bako, made this known in a statement.

Mr Salako said the appointment was the outcome of a competitive selection exercise conducted in accordance with the provisions of the MLSCN Act and other relevant regulations.

He explained that the vacancy was publicly advertised, after which applications were screened and candidates evaluated against established criteria, resulting in Mr Ofili’s emergence as the highest-ranked of the five shortlisted applicants.

According to the minister, effective healthcare delivery depends largely on accurate laboratory diagnosis, making the medical laboratory profession a vital component of the nation’s health system.

“Without correct diagnosis, healthcare practitioners would be operating in uncertainty. Medical laboratory science provides the evidence needed for quality healthcare and remains indispensable to our health system,” he said.

Responding, Mr Ofili thanked the federal government for the opportunity to serve, assuring stakeholders of his commitment to strengthening the council and promoting excellence within the profession.

He pledged to work with professional bodies, government institutions and other stakeholders to enhance regulatory compliance, improve staff welfare and support the health sector renewal agenda.

Fidelia Ginikanwa, head of corporate affairs and public relations of the council, said Mr Ofili would provide leadership for the council’s regulatory and professional responsibilities across the country.

She noted that the new registrar was expected to prioritise improved regulatory oversight, quality assurance, laboratory accreditation and other initiatives aimed at strengthening diagnostic services nationwide.

Mrs Ginikanwa further described Mr Ofili as a seasoned laboratory scientist and international biosafety expert whose experience would help advance healthcare standards and service delivery in Nigeria.

Mr Ofili’s appointment takes immediate effect and will run for a four-year term in accordance with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Act.

(NAN)