Embrace AI or Risk Being Replaced, Don Tells Graduates

A lecturer in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science at Osun State University, Professor Olufemi Akanni, has urged newly inducted graduates of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in their professional practice to improve healthcare outcomes and remain relevant in the evolving medical field.

Akanni gave the advice while delivering an induction lecture to 28 Medical Laboratory Science graduates during the university’s third induction ceremony. The lecture was titled Medical Laboratory Science Practice in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.

He encouraged the graduates to develop their competence in AI applications, noting that the technology offered opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.

The professor stressed that AI should be viewed as a tool for strengthening professional practice rather than simply as a threat to employment.

He warned that medical laboratory scientists who failed to acquire the skills needed to work with emerging technologies could be disadvantaged by colleagues who adapted to the changes.

Akanni also outlined four key responsibilities for the inductees: upholding professional ethics, complying strictly with quality management systems and procedures, pursuing continuous professional development through training and retraining, and contributing to the growth of the profession wherever they practised.

He further emphasised that academic qualifications must be supported by practical competence, adherence to established professional standards and a commitment to improving medical laboratory services.

In his remarks, Elizade University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Oguntade, urged the graduates to maintain high ethical standards and represent the institution positively throughout their careers.

Represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Social and Management Sciences, Professor Joseph Fabayo, Oguntade said medical laboratory scientists played a critical role in providing reliable scientific information to guide clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes.

He noted that accurate and timely laboratory results were essential to effective diagnosis and treatment, adding that the profession’s contributions extended across hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, public health agencies and communities.

Similarly, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Donald Ofili, represented by Stanley Nkemakolam, emphasised responsible conduct, accountability and compliance with professional regulations.

He said public confidence in healthcare depended substantially on the reliability and integrity of laboratory services.

The Acting Head of the university’s Medical Laboratory Science Department, Dr Folorunso Dada, announced that the institution’s graduates achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in both the first and final professional examinations of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. Eight of the graduates also earned first-class honours.

Dada attributed the achievement to the commitment of students, lecturers and clinical instructors, alongside the support of the university’s management and the sacrifices of parents and guardians.

He urged the new professionals to promote teamwork, avoid unhealthy rivalry and maintain mutual respect for other healthcare practitioners.

The ceremony highlighted the growing importance of technological adaptation, professional competence and ethical responsibility in preparing medical laboratory scientists for the demands of modern healthcare delivery.