Babcock University’s best graduating student of Medical Laboratory Dept, Okoliko Ochanya asserted the school made learning environment conducive
By Kehinde Okrowo
The Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Mr Tosan Erhabor has called on Medical Laboratory graduates in Nigeria to remain diligent and focused in the performance of their duties despite the prevailing challenging situations in the country.
Mr. Erhabor expressed pride in associating with Babcock University for her landmark achievement in galvanising 78 students for her ninth induction ceremony. Also, he praised the institution for being one of the flagship universities in South Western Nigeria.
In addition, he expressed the willingness and readiness of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria to continue to collaborate with Babcock University to further energise its department of Medical Laboratory Science with additional top class faculty members.
He stated that the Council would work with relevant stakeholders to improve the standards of medical laboratory science training in Nigeria, in line with international best practices.
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Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Ademola Tayo advised the inductees to always remember, that people will look up to them, respect what they do and say. “People will trust you, confide in you, and appreciate your efforts. You can do exceptional things for people if you don’t let the system weigh you down. Do well to set the needs of your patients before that of the system. You will be rewarded someday if you do that.”
Professor Tayo emphasized that becoming a successful medical laboratory scientist does not depend on academic excellence alone. “While that is an advantage, it also depends on being effective communicators with a sound intellect and interest in science and technology. Excellent eye-hand coordination, dexterity, and visual acuity are equally important to skillfully perform and analyze tests.”
In addition, the vice chancellor stated that “as you go into the world to practice, remember that a critical factor of your success in your profession is collaboration. Your job requires you to collaborate very closely with physicians and medical laboratory technicians in diagnosing and monitoring disease processes, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of therapy.
The vice chancellor also advised them to understand their work environment, since they are going to work in an environment different from the typical classroom setting and also work with human beings.
In the same vein, the Head of Department of Medical Laboratory Science of Babcock University, Professor Ihongbe encouraged the inducted graduands to interact with people and adopt the core values of Babcock University in their behaviour at all times, noting that humility pays.
He also urged them to always remember their parents who have invested massively in their education.
Moreover, the deputy vice chancellor academics, Prof Philemon Amanze urged the graduands to take the qualities of wisdom, efficiency, and resilience which they have imbibed in Babcock University with them. “Believe in yourselves as Babcock believes in you. It is certain that you will become competent, diligent, and trustworthy professionals”, he said.
Prof Amanze also advised them to embrace life with passion and keep reaching for greater heights to make the world a better place than they met it.
The overall best graduating student of the department, Okoliko Vivian Ochanya thanked Babcock University for making the environment conducive for learning. She also advised her colleagues to see the sky assessment large enough for each of them to make significant impact. “We are powerful beyond measures. There is enough space for us to fly”, she said.
