Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, marked a major milestone in its history as it held the 1st Professional Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony for the pioneer graduates of its Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programme. The event, held at the University Auditorium yesterday, brought together top university officials, distinguished guests, professional bodies, parents, and well-wishers to celebrate the emergence of the first set of TAU-trained medical laboratory scientists.

The ceremony commenced on an inspiring note as the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, Prof. Emenike O. Irokanulo, officially declared the event open. In his welcome address, he commended the resilience, passion, and diligence that brought the inductees to this defining stage of their professional journey.

Delivering her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca O. Oladipo, described the event as a historic moment and a testament to the University’s commitment to excellence. She emphasized that the day marked “the birth of diagnostic heroes who will stand behind every life-saving intervention in Nigeria and the global healthcare system.”

Highlighting the rapid growth of the institution, the Vice-Chancellor noted that TAU now ranks 5th among Nigeria’s private universities and 50th nationally, underscoring its remarkable ascent and dedication to quality education. She further revealed that the MLS Department holds full NUC accreditation and continues to record outstanding achievements.

The Vice-Chancellor celebrated the unique advantages of the graduating class, stating that TAU’s pioneer MLS graduates were “comprehensively prepared global professionals,” strengthened by the University’s international partnerships. She further announced that TAU was selected as the first Nigerian institution to pilot the FSI–Mentors Without Borders Tech Mentorship Programme. She also introduced TAU’s new policy mandating all graduates to achieve proficiency in atleast one of the four United Nations languages through the University’s Foreign Language Centre.

Addressing the inductees, Prof. Oladipo encouraged them to uphold the highest standards in laboratory practice, urging them to approach each diagnostic task “with precision, compassion, and unwavering commitment to quality.” She expressed gratitude to parents, faculty, staff, and the Oko-Irese community for their collective support.

Lecture of the Day: Navigating the AI Landscape in Laboratory Medicine

The keynote lecture titled “Crossing the Threshold: Navigating the AI Landscape in Laboratory Medicine” was delivered by Prof. Olubunkola Oluyege, a renowned Professor of Medical Microbiology with over three decades of academic and research experience.

Her lecture explored the intersection of medical laboratory science and emerging artificial intelligence technologies. Prof. Oluyege described the inductees as crossing “not only the threshold from academic training into professional practice but also into the dynamic era of AI-driven healthcare.” She analyzed the transformative impact of AI across the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of laboratory science. She highlighted AI’s contributions to operational efficiency, precision diagnosis, predictive analytics, and improved laboratory workflow.

Addressing ethical concerns such as data privacy and algorithmic bias, she encouraged the inductees to embrace continuous learning, collaborate across disciplines, and grow alongside technological advancements. She concluded by reminding them that “AI may analyze data, but it is your ethical compass that ensures truth in diagnosis.”

Oath-Taking, Licensing, and Formal Induction

The highlight of the ceremony was the formal oath-taking and induction of the four pioneer graduates into the Medical Laboratory Science profession. The Dean, Prof. Irokanulo, presented the students to the Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), who was represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Okanlawon Sheu.

Mr. Sheu, delivering the Registrar’s address, commended the inductees for making history as the first products of TAU’s MLS programme. He praised the University's standard of training, describing the induction process as “an experience that truly stands out.” He further applauded the Vice-Chancellor’s purposeful leadership and assured that the MLS programme was in excellent hands.

Following the oath-taking, the Vice-Chancellor formally presented the professional licenses to the inductees, who were thereafter recognized as modern, globally equipped medical laboratory scientists. The new professionals also took a bow in appreciation of their parents, lecturers, and mentors.

The inductees were later admitted into the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Kwara State Chapter, by the Chairman, Dr. Kolawole Ogunwale, who conveyed greetings from the national leadership and encouraged them to uphold professionalism and integrity.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding students and recognitions to key contributors to the success of the MLS programme. Awardees included:

• Prof. Olubunkola Oluyege – Guest Lecturer

• Dr. Donald I. Ofili – Registrar, MLSCN

• Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi – Chancellor and Founder

• Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Adewumi – Co-Founder

• Prof. Francisca Oladipo – Vice-Chancellor

• Dr. Kolawole Ogunwale – AMLSN Chairman, Kwara State

• Prof. Emenike Irokanulo – Dean of the Faculty

• Mr. Clement John – Coordinator of the Department

• Dr. Godwin Adunmo – Pioneer Staff (Foundation Honour Award)

The best graduating student, Olabisi David, delivered an emotional valedictory message in which he appreciated parents, lecturers, and colleagues. He advised his fellow graduates to remain disciplined, consistent, and committed to lifelong learning. He encouraged upcoming students to aim not merely to pass, but to stand out.

Closing and Vote of Thanks

The Chancellor and Founder, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, delivered the closing remarks, praising the Vice-Chancellor for her transformative leadership. He acknowledged the dedication of staff members and expressed appreciation to parents for believing in the TAU vision. He encouraged the inductees to uphold excellence, embrace the insights shared in the lecture, and remain time-conscious. He also hinted at the establishment of an Entrepreneurship Centre to support students’ innovation.

The event ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Godwin Adunmo, the pioneer staff of the department, who expressed gratitude to all attendees and wished the inductees success in their future endeavors.