FG Appoints Dr. Donald Ofili as MLSCN Registrar, Tasks Him with Strengthening Healthcare Regulation

By Pan Afric Reporters

ABUJA — The Federal Government has appointed Donald Ibe Ofili as the substantive Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, following what authorities described as a rigorous, transparent and merit-based selection process aimed at strengthening professional regulation and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations.

Presenting the letter of appointment in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the recruitment process complied fully with statutory requirements and due process provisions guiding appointments into the Council.

According to the minister, the vacancy was advertised in two national newspapers, after which applications were assessed against clearly defined criteria before five candidates were shortlisted for interviews.

Salako disclosed that petitions received during the process were subjected to legal review and found not to affect the integrity of the exercise.

“We have gone through a diligent and strict process. Having emerged as the best candidate, it became necessary for us to ensure that the acting position was quickly regularized so that the Council can continue to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities under a substantive leadership,” he said.

The minister emphasized the critical role of medical laboratory science in healthcare delivery, describing accurate diagnosis as the foundation of effective medical treatment and patient care.

“Without correct diagnosis, healthcare practitioners would be operating in uncertainty. Medical laboratory science helps to provide the evidence needed for quality healthcare and remains indispensable to our health system,” Salako stated.

He charged the new Registrar to provide purposeful leadership capable of strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing professional standards and advancing the practice of medical laboratory science across the country.

The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting healthcare professionals and fostering collaboration among various health sector stakeholders to improve health outcomes nationwide.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary and Director of Human Resources, Tetshoma Dafeta, urged the new Registrar to prioritise staff welfare and strict adherence to administrative procedures.

“The council should endeavour to liaise with the ministry in all matters, especially the office of the minister who supervises the council. It is important that you work well with the ministry,” she advised.

Responding, Dr. Ofili expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the ministry for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to justify the appointment through dedicated service and effective leadership.

“The Council will continue to effectively discharge its regulatory mandate while aligning its activities with the strategic objectives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative,” he said.

The newly appointed Registrar promised to strengthen regulatory oversight, uphold professional standards in medical laboratories nationwide, improve staff welfare and maintain a conducive working environment within the Council.

He also pledged to work closely with professional associations and other stakeholders to promote peace, unity and progress within the medical laboratory science profession.

Dr. Ofili commended the ministry for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent appointment process, while acknowledging efforts by the Minister to promote harmony within the profession.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, carries a tenure of four years in accordance with the provisions of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Act.

The presentation ceremony was attended by management staff of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.