Communique issued at the end of the maiden Scientific Conference/AGM of Association of University Academic Medical Laboratory Scientists (AUAMLS)

PREAMBLE

The maiden Scientific Conference/AGM of the AUAMLS with the theme, “Medical Laboratory Science Education in the 21st Century: Revisiting the Curriculum for Globalized Practice”, was held between 7th and 10th November, 2024, at the Postgraduate School Auditorium of the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State. The conference appreciated the hospitality of the government and people of Bayelsa State. Conference appreciated the kind gesture of the Management of the Federal University Otuoke, under the Vice Chancellorship of erudite Professor T. C. Adias.

Professors and other seasoned academics in the profession of Medical Laboratory Science across the country and beyond, attended the Conference. The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Teddy C. Adias, the Vice Chancellor of the host University, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State. The keynote paper was presented by Professor Ebirien-Agana S. Bartimaeus, a Professor of Chemical Pathology and the Dean, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. Other academic and professional leaders who presented thought-provoking papers during the conference, included Prof. Isaac Nnatuanya (former Vice Chancellor, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State), Prof. Olutayo I. Ajayi, and Dr. McPaul Okoye (Branch Chief, US CDC Nigeria). In attendance were other prominent educators, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the healthcare and educational sectors to address the modernization of Medical Laboratory Science education in the 21st century.

The conference, which featured expert panels, round table discussions, and interactive sessions, emphasized the urgency of aligning Medical Laboratory Science education with international standards and local needs, fostering high standards of competency, and ensuring that educators are equipped to train future professionals for a rapidly advancing field.

The conference made the following observations:

1. The conference appreciated the hospitality of the government and people of Bayelsa State.
2. Conference appreciated the kind gesture of the Management of the Federal University, Otuoke, under the Vice Chancellorship of erudite Professor T. C. Adias.

3. Conference commended the efforts of the Federal Government geared towards stabilizing the economy, and called on government at all levels to do all that is necessary to alleviate the pains of the harsh economic realities on the health and wellbeing of the ordinary citizens of Nigeria.
4. Conference commended the National Universities Commission (NUC) for birthing the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic standards (CCMAS) for Nigerian universities. However, conference is concerned that the CCMAS does not adequately address the training required for contemporary Medical Laboratory Science practice. Conference therefore called on the NUC to approve the commencement of the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLSD) as a way to address the shortcomings of the BMLS curriculum in the CCMAS.
5. Conference called on the Federal Government to prioritize funding to health research, especially Medical Laboratory Science research, noting that battles against diseases the world over are either won or lost in the laboratories. To this end, conference noted the importance of establishing a National Health Laboratory Research Agency to coordinate nationwide health laboratory research, development and production of vaccines, local production of in vitro diagnostics and other diagnostic reagents as well as the fabrication of diagnostic equipment, all of which have the potential to enhance our health parameters and earn revenue for the country.
6. Conference called on the Federal Government to approve the Central Internship Posting for graduates of Medical Laboratory Science in order to put to an end the onerous challenges they face in securing internship placement.
7. Conference called on the MLSCN to put in place, a more robust, effective and accessible Continuous Professional Development (CPD) policy to ensure that Medical Laboratory Science Lecturers and Laboratory Instructors are engaged in professional development and knowledge updates for licensure.
8. Conference also called on MLSCN to strengthen its regulatory roles in order to enhance standards of Medical Laboratory Science education and practice, and to safeguard the health of the citizens.

Signed

Prof. M. F. Olaniyan

National President

Dr. K. N. Elechi-Amadi

National Secretary

Dr. O. E. Sunday

National Pub. Sec.