1ST INDUCTION/OATH-TAKING CEREMONY FOR THE PIONEER GRADUANDS INTO THE MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (MLSCN)

The Department of Medical Laboratory Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State held her 1^st Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony for her Pioneer Graduands into the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) on Thursady, 10^th November, 2022 at the University Auditorium.

The Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony was solemnly opened by the Vice-Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Professor Michael F. Diejomaoh who also gave the opening remark. The Vice-Chancellor, in his remark warmly welcomed all to this unique ceremony and congratulated the 13 graduands who were being inducted into the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. “You’re moving into a unique profession, Medical Laboratory Science profession. In that capacity, you have a very importance responsibility in playing a significant role in the diagnosis and management of cases that come into the hospital or that report to the clinic.” He further encouraged them to represent PAMO University of Medical Sciences at all times in excellent service delivery for the good of all.

The welcome address was presented by the Head of Department, Medical Laboratory Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Clement Nyenke. He welcomed all to the auspicious occasion of the 1^st Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Pioneer BMLS graduands at this great citadel of learning, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt. “I give God all the glory for making today a reality, and for His grace, mercy, protection and care all through the period of 5 years of training for today’s inductees.” He said. He noted that this induction marked the acceptance of the graduands into the practice of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (AMLSCN).

He specially thanked the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council His Excellency, Sir Dr. Peter Otunuya Odili, Former Executive Governor of Rivers State for his vision accomplished and for his love for Medical Education. “The University has not only afforded many persons the opportunity of university education, but has also reduced unemployment in the society. He also expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS-Africa for his love and support to the development of Medical Education in the state. Noting that today’s inductees are beneficiaries of his scholarship award.

He congratulated the inductees as he expressed that it was not easy to get to this stage but it has come as a result of their hard work, diligence, dedication and commitment to their studies. Finally, he encouraged them to be good ambassadors of this prestigious citadel of learning, and to hold themselves in high esteem, and to eschew behaviours and vices that could erode the good image of this institution, their family and profession.

Prof. Confidence Kinikanwo Wachukwu, delivered the Induction Lecture on a topic: 21^ST CENTURY CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS. The guest lecturer addressed the inductees emphasizing the crucial role that the Medical Laboratory Scientists play in the health care system. Noting that without the vital work of Medical Laboratory Scientists, doctors would be hard-pressed to accurately diagnose diseases or detect abnormalities. He also stated that the job growth and security are high for Medical Laboratory Scientists as there is currently a shortage of Medical Laboratory Scientists in many parts of the country which guarantees ample employment opportunities and sometimes higher salaries for graduates.

“Access to quality healthcare for all is one of the most significant grand challenges of the 21^st century.” He said. He encouraged the inductees to expand their boundaries and explore the abundant opportunities that the profession offers.

The Registrar/CEO of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr Tosan Erhabor, stressed the need for the new inductees to be ethical, professional and to always strive for excellence in service delivery at all times. He expressed confidence that the training here at PAMO University of Medical Sciences is in line with international standards and best practices. Hence, the new Inductees have the competence and capacity to deliver on the job as professionals anywhere in the world. He paid tribute to the Founder, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, His Excellency, Sir Dr. Peter Odili, CON, KCSGG, GSSRS, KSJI for his vision to establish this great University.

Finally, He inducted the graduands into the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, led them in taking the induction Oath and signing the register.

The valedictory address was delivered by the best graduating student Miss Nathaniel Chimeka Deborah of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science on behalf of the graduating students. She thanked His Excellency Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, The Executive Governor of Rivers State for the scholarship program he established for Rivers State indigenes. She expressed their heart felt gratitude to the vision bearer, Pro-Chancellor, His Excellency Sir Dr. Peter Odili, and specially thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his great leadership that has transformed PAMO University to what it has become today. She further thanked the HODs, lecturers, family and loved ones for all their love and support. “Congratulations PUMS MLS class of 2022. We made it”, she said. Finally, she encouraged the students noting that it takes hard work, diligence, dedication and commitment to their studies to achieve success.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, His Excellency Sir Dr. Peter Odili, CON, KCSGG, GSSRS, KSJI, specially thanked the Guest Speaker for the lecture he rendered. The Pro-Chancellor, on behalf of the Board of Trustee, the Governing Council and Management of PAMO University of Medical Sciences thanked all those who contributed in making this day a reality, especially the Executive Governor of Rivers state, His Excellency Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. “God is the founder of this University”, He emphasized. The Pro-Chancellor, on behalf the University Council, lavished a cash reward and other gift items to all the inductees and best graduating student(s). He also promised to grant the request of the Registrar/CEO of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) to support the placement of all the new inductees for internship at the Rivers

State University Teaching Hospital and to offer them automatic employment upon completion of their NYSC. He encouraged the inductees to make a difference for themselves as he further stressed that discipline and attitude towards their patients are the two main principles to succeed in the medical profession.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Induction Committee Chairman, Dr. Evelyn Onosakponome on behalf of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science. She appreciated God Almighty for making the ceremony a success. She also thanked the Pro-Chancellor, His Excellency, Sir Dr. Peter Odili, CON, KCSGG, GSSRS, KSJI, for nurturing his vision that has resulted to the ceremony of the day and many more to come and for using his influence to get the Rivers State Scholarship Award for the indigenous students here in PAMO University of Medical Sciences. She Thanked the dynamic Vice-Chancellor, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Professor Michael F. Diejomaoh , a great leader and mentor for consistently upholding the culture of excellence for the good of all. She further thanked the Registrar and CEO of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr Tosan Erhabor, for his support and professional guidance to the Department of Medical Laboratory Science and PAMO University of Medical Sciences at large.

She thanked the Principal Officers, Management Team, Deans, HODs, Lecturers and Staff of PAMO University of Medical Sciences for being part of their success story. She thanked the Chief Medical Director of Rivers State Teaching Hospital for supporting the students during their clinical routines. She also thanked Dr. Sambo and Prof. Ngozi Odu for their continued and unwavering support. Finally, she congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to adhere strictly to their professional ethics at all times.