The 400 Level Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) students of McPherson University, alongside faculty members of the programme, participated in the first Annual Scientific Conference organised by the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG). The three-day conference, themed “One Health: Preparing the Next Generation for a Changing World,” brought together researchers, health policymakers, traditional rulers, faculty members, students and healthcare professionals to discuss emerging global health challenges and strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
The delegation was led by the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr Adewale Oke. The students and faculty members actively participated in technical sessions, engaged in plenary discussions and interacted with researchers on current developments in public health, laboratory science and biosecurity. Their participation provided an opportunity to gain exposure to emerging research trends and professional practices in the medical laboratory science field.
The conference attracted distinguished personalities from academia and government, including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS, and His Royal Majesty, Oba Muh’ Bashir Alamu Abisoye Odesanya, Olupejobi II, the Oloto of Otto. Their presence reflected the importance of collaboration among academic institutions, government and communities in advancing healthcare delivery, scientific research and public health development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, encouraged healthcare professionals to adopt the One Health approach in addressing emerging infectious diseases and biosecurity threats. He explained that protecting global health requires collaboration across the human, animal and environmental health sectors.
A highlight of the conference was the participation of the students in the scientific presentations. Ihejieto Wisdom Tochukwu presented a literature review on ESBL-producing bacteria in clinical laboratories, while Stephen Jasmine Idara presented on The Bundibugyo Strain of Ebola Virus Disease. Both students successfully presented and defended their reviews before an audience of researchers, academics and healthcare professionals.
During their presentations, the students examined disease transmission patterns, emerging treatment approaches and recent advances in laboratory diagnostic techniques. They also highlighted the role of medical laboratory scientists in combating antimicrobial resistance and responding to infectious disease challenges through accurate diagnosis, research and evidence-based practice.
Commending the students for their performance, Dr Adewale Oke praised their academic depth, confidence and professionalism throughout the conference. He noted that exposing students to high-level scientific engagements supports McPherson University’s commitment to producing research-oriented graduates equipped with the knowledge, practical competencies and critical thinking skills needed to address contemporary health challenges.
The participation of the Medical Laboratory Science students and faculty members at the conference reflects McPherson University’s commitment to quality education, research development and the training of healthcare professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to scientific advancement and improved healthcare outcomes.
