Prof. Charles Onyenekwe of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, has urged Nigeria to reinforce its health security framework to prevent severe national consequences. He made the call on Tuesday while delivering a lecture at the Induction and Oath-Taking ceremony for graduates of Medical Laboratory Science at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo.
Onyenekwe noted that Nigeria’s health system is showing signs of strain due to a rising population and evolving disease threats, warning that the country’s capacity to protect citizens from biological, physical, mental, and social health risks is weakening. He stressed that without urgent investment in manpower, technology, and training, life expectancy—currently secure up to about 64 years—could decline.
Highlighting the role of medical laboratory scientists, Onyenekwe said they provide 60–70% of the evidence physicians rely on for diagnosis and treatment. He warned that shortages of trained professionals, outdated laboratory technologies, and brain drain threaten Nigeria’s ability to detect and respond to epidemics, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of constantly mutating microbial agents.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, described the inductees as “watchmen over our health and wellbeing” and tasked them with upholding confidentiality, accuracy, integrity, and ethical practices.
Performing the oath-taking, the Acting Registrar and CEO of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr. Donald Ofili, urged graduates to be competent, innovative, and ethical, reminding them that the profession requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills to safeguard public health.
