Prof. Charles Onyenekwe of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, has called on Nigeria to strengthen its health security framework to avert potentially severe national consequences.
Onyenekwe made the call on Tuesday while delivering a lecture at the Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of qualified graduates of Medical Laboratory Science at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.
The guest lecturer said the warning became necessary due to evolving disease threats amid Nigeria’s growing population. He noted that the country’s health system was already showing signs of strain and could become increasingly vulnerable without immediate investment in manpower, technology, and training.
“The nation’s capacity to protect citizens from biological, physical, mental, and social health threats is weakening,” Onyenekwe said.
He regretted that Nigeria’s health security was sufficient only to support life expectancy up to the 60th decade of life.
“Anybody below 64 years is reasonably assured of reaching that age based on current indices. But anyone beyond 64 is fortunate, as the system currently has no provision for them,” he added.
The professor stressed that Nigeria’s projected population of over 359 million by 2050 makes urgent reforms unavoidable.
“If this projection is going to work, what provisions exist for skilled health professionals, improved medical knowledge, and technology for disease surveillance? If we do not build capacity exponentially, the life expectancy we have achieved will decline,” he warned.
Onyenekwe further highlighted that shortages of trained professionals, outdated laboratory technologies, and brain drain were undermining Nigeria’s ability to detect and respond to epidemics.
“National health security means protecting citizens from physical, biological, emotional, and social threats. Without properly trained medical laboratory scientists, emerging and re-emerging infections become destructive. Microbial agents are constantly mutating, and we must stay ahead,” he said.
He told the inductees that medical laboratory scientists are central to the country’s survival, providing 60 to 70 percent of the evidence physicians need for diagnosis and treatment.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said the event marked the institution’s 16th induction since the programme began in 2005.
“We officially welcome a new crop of problem-solvers, innovators, and nation-builders into the revered fold of the medical laboratory science profession,” he said.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raphael Adeghe, Ezemonye described the inductees as “watchmen over our health and wellbeing” and emphasized their responsibility as custodians of confidentiality, accuracy, integrity, and ethical practice.
“You are the finders of the ‘what’ in healthcare delivery. We have raised you as Nigeria’s hope for a better today and a stronger tomorrow. Go forth and strengthen our health sector,” he said.
During the oath-taking, the Acting Registrar and CEO of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr. Donald Ofili, said the council remains committed to upholding standards and safeguarding public health.
“Your inclusion in this induction shows that your sacrifices have been recognized. But let me warn you: MLSCN will discipline those who fail to abide by professional rules. Our profession needs critical thinkers, problem solvers, and change-makers,” Ofili said.
Represented by Dr. Uchuno Gregory, he urged the graduates to uphold competence, accuracy, and integrity.
“Be confident but compassionate. Do not fear innovation, but avoid misconduct, falsified documentation, and unethical practices. You are now custodians of public health,” he added.
