Embrace AI or risk being replaced, don tells graduates

A lecturer in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science of Osun State University, Prof. Olufemi Akanni.

A lecturer in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science of Osun State University, Prof. Olufemi Akanni, has urged graduates of Medical Laboratory Science of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, to embrace the use of Artificial Intelligence when they start practising.

The don gave the charge in a lecture he delivered at the third induction ceremony of 28 MLS graduates of Elizade University.

The lecture was titled, ‘Medical Lab Science Practice in the Era of Artificial Intelligence’.

A copy of the lecture was made available to our correspondent on Sunday.

He also admonished the graduating students to upgrade themselves in the use of Artificial Intelligence in MLS practice, saying many benefits were attached to it.

“I want to urge you to embrace AI for better healthcare outcomes. Artificial Intelligence will not replace Medical Laboratory Scientists, but those who use AI will replace those who do not,” the guest lecturer stated.

Akanni highlighted four critical responsibilities for the new inductees, which were to “uphold the ethics of the profession, adhere strictly to quality management systems and procedures, engage in continuous professional development through training and retraining, and promote the growth and development of MLS wherever they practise.”

He also emphasised to the graduates that academic qualifications must be matched by professional competence, strict adherence to established standards and a commitment to advancing the profession.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Philip Oguntade, urged the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession and be good ambassadors of the institution wherever they found themselves.

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Represented by the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Social and Management Sciences, Prof. Joseph Fabayo, the VC said, “Your presence here today is a testimony to your hard work, perseverance, discipline and determination to succeed in a demanding and noble profession.”

He added, “As Medical Laboratory Scientists, you will play a critical role in providing reliable scientific information that guides clinical decisions and improves patient outcomes.

“Behind many successful medical diagnoses and treatment decisions is the dedication of a competent Medical Laboratory Scientist who ensures that laboratory results are accurate, reliable and delivered promptly.

“As you prepare to enter professional practice, I encourage you to appreciate the enormous responsibility entrusted to you. Your work may often take place behind the scenes, but its impact is felt in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, public health agencies and communities across the nation.”

Similarly, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Donald Ofili, who was represented at the ceremony by Mr Stanley Nkemakolam, emphasised the importance of responsible conduct, accountability and adherence to the professional standards governing medical laboratory practice.

He told the inductees that public confidence in healthcare depended significantly on the reliability and integrity of laboratory services.

The Acting Head of the MLS Department of the university, Dr Folorunso Dada, said Elizade University had recorded a major milestone in medical laboratory science education, as its graduating students achieved a historic 100 per cent success rate in both the first and final professional examinations of the MLSCN, with eight graduates earning first-class honours.

According to the don, the department had recorded a 100 per cent success rate in the MLS programme for the first time. He attributed the achievement to the “dedication of the students, commitment of lecturers and clinical instructors, support of the university management, and sacrifices of parents and guardians”.

He urged the inductees to imbibe the spirit of teamwork and shun professional rivalry in healthcare, while ensuring mutual respect for other healthcare professionals.