In a significant development for the Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science community, Dr. Donald Ofili, former Deputy Registrar, Accreditation, of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), has been appointed Acting Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Council. This appointment follows the sudden and deeply mourned passing of the former Registrar/CEO, Prof. Tosan Amos Erhabor, who died last week.
Dr. Ofili, a distinguished and dutiful professional, has long been recognized for his affinity to integrity, forthrightness, and excellence in service. His elevation to the helm of the Council is widely seen as a natural and fitting choice, given his track record of selfless dedication, technical competence, and leadership in advancing the regulatory standards of Medical Laboratory practice in Nigeria.
Dr. Donald Ofili (then Deputy Registrar Accreditation) welcoming Dr. Casmir at the Council Headquarters last week during when the latter went to sign the condolence register in honour of the fallen Registrar in company of Prof. Chukwu O. Chukwu
In an official congratulatory message dated April 25, 2025, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, the 15th National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), lauded Dr. Ofili’s appointment. Writing on behalf of the National Executive Officers/Council (NEOs/NEC), the Board of Trustees, and the entire membership of AMLSN, Dr. Ifeanyi expressed heartfelt congratulations and extended assurances of the Association’s full support to Dr. Ofili in his new role.
“Your elevation to this high office at such a critical juncture is both a testament to your wealth of experience and a clarion call to national service,” Dr. Ifeanyi stated in the letter. “We are confident that your expertise and administrative ingenuity will guide MLSCN into a new era of innovation, responsive, and impactful regulation.”
Emphasizing the monumental legacy left by the late Prof. Tosan Erhabor, Dr. Ifeanyi charged Dr. Ofili to remain focused, steadfast, and courageous in steering the Council forward. He urged him to embrace bold reforms, strengthen institutional capacity, renew stakeholder trust, and deepen the interface between MLSCN and AMLSN within the regulatory framework.
“This is vital for unity, growth, and national development in our profession,” he noted.
The leadership of MLSCN under Dr. Ofili is expected to foster a collaborative and progressive spirit, building on the foundation laid by his predecessors while driving policies anchored on excellence, professionalism, and adherence to global best practices. Stakeholders in the field of Medical Laboratory Science across Nigeria have expressed optimism that Dr. Ofili’s tenure will usher in a new era of purposeful leadership and regulatory excellence.
Widely admired by colleagues and subordinates alike, Dr. Donald Ofili’s reputation as a principled, approachable, and visionary leader precedes him. His service record at the Council, especially in the area of accreditation, has been characterized by high standards and commitment to quality assurance in Medical Laboratory practice.
As he assumes this pivotal role at a time of mourning and reflection for the MLSCN and the wider Medical community, many believe that Dr. Ofili is uniquely positioned to not only uphold the legacy of his late predecessor but also to set new milestones for the growth and global relevance of the Nigerian Medical Laboratory profession.
A copy of the Congratulatory message from AMLSN
The entire Medical Laboratory community, along with professional colleagues, stakeholders, and regulatory partners, joins in wishing Dr. Donald Ofili wisdom, grace, courage, and success in his new assignment.
— Damilola Ogunsoya in Abuja.
1 comment
I congratulate Dr Donald Ofili on this appointment. I pray for wisdom and understanding to steer the great ship of the council
May the soul of Prof. Tosan Erhabor rests in peace