The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria says graduates must complete a compulsory one-year internship and obtain a full practising licence before proceeding to national service.
The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) has reminded newly inducted medical laboratory science graduates that they must complete their mandatory one-year internship and obtain a full practising licence before enrolling for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The warning was delivered during the third oath-taking ceremony for 43 medical laboratory science graduates of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, on Saturday, October 10.
The council’s Registrar, Dr Donald Ofili, represented at the ceremony by Dr Akinwale Akinlabi, urged the new professionals to uphold high standards of competence, integrity and responsibility throughout their careers.
Why the Internship Matters
Medical laboratory scientists play a critical role in healthcare by conducting tests that help doctors diagnose diseases, monitor treatment and make decisions about patient care.
Ofili described laboratory professionals as custodians of accuracy and reliability, emphasising the importance of dependable test results to the wider healthcare system.
He warned graduates against skipping their compulsory internship, stressing that they must successfully complete the programme and secure the appropriate practising licence before proceeding to NYSC.
The council also said it would monitor the conduct of new professionals as part of efforts to protect public health and maintain confidence in laboratory services.
Continuing Professional Development Required
Beyond internship and licensing, the council urged the graduates to participate in continuing professional development (CPD).
Ongoing professional education helps laboratory scientists maintain their skills as diagnostic technologies, laboratory procedures and healthcare standards evolve.
According to the council, continuing professional development is also a condition for licence renewal, reinforcing the need for practitioners to remain current with professional requirements.
Fountain University Highlights Training Facilities
Speaking at the ceremony, Fountain University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ramota Karim, said the institution had recorded a 100 per cent success rate in professional examinations since 2024.
She also announced the completion of a dedicated Medical Laboratory Science Complex comprising four laboratory units, each with a capacity of 100 students, to support practical training.
The university urged the graduates to uphold the institution’s values and represent it responsibly in their professional careers.
What Graduates Need to Do Next
For newly inducted medical laboratory science graduates, the immediate priority is to confirm their internship placement, understand the licensing process and verify the documentation required before NYSC mobilisation.
Graduates should consult the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria and the NYSC for guidance on their individual circumstances rather than relying on informal advice.
The warning also highlights the need for adequate internship opportunities and effective coordination among training institutions, healthcare facilities and professional regulators so that qualified graduates can progress into supervised practice without unnecessary delays.
OnPointGist will continue to report developments affecting Nigerian graduates, professional licensing and access to career opportunities.
