The Medical Laboratory
Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) has vowed to clampdown on quacks and unwholesome practices within the profession.
Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Donald Ofili made the disclosure on Monday in Asaba in his address at the official flag-off of the council’s nationwide inspection of medical laboratories.
He pointed out that regular inspection of medical laboratories across the country is a statutory responsibility of the council as provided for Section 4(e) of the MLSC. Act 11, 2003.
“The exercise, guided by the gazetted national protocol on laboratory inspection, is aimed at safeguarding public health and eradicating quackery in medical laboratory practice.
“As a council, we will arrest and prosecute any of one operating substandard laboratories and engaging in unwholesome laboratory practices”, Ofili warned.
According to him, starting from the 22nd – 26th September 2025, three inspection teams from the council will cover Asaba, Warri, Ughelli and their environs on inspection.
The acting registrar futher disclosed that during the exercise, trained council inspectors will assess laboratories using structured checklists, focusing on staff qualifications, facility standards, and safety compliance.
He also listed other areas of assesment to include participation in external quality assessment (EQA), and adherence to other quality benchmarks.
Ofili reiterated the council’s position that only licensed medical laboratory scientists, supported by certified technicians, are authorized to carry out medical investigations on humans.
“The council, after the inspection exercise, will submit its findings to the executive governor of Delta state through the commissioner for health.
“Also, a monitoring team will remain in place here in Delta to enforce compliance and sustain continuous surveillance,” he said.
Ofili further stated that the exercise is not a witch-hunt but a professional regulatory exercise to protect Nigerians from substandard practices.
He said the council’s mandate is clear—to promote quality, discipline erring practitioners, and prosecute quacks where necessary.
“On behalf of the council, I want to use this medium to call on the Delta state government, health stakeholders, the Nigeria police, the media, and the general public to support this vital activity.
“This exercise no doubt, aligns with the renewed hope agenda of the federal government in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector,” Ofili said.