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The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria has voiced strong opposition to the appointment of Dr. Babajide Salako as Chairman of the Board of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
Citing a breach of the MLSCN establishment law, the scientists expressed concern that Salako’s lack of fellowship with the body and certification in medical laboratory science rendered him unqualified for the position.
President Bola Tinubu recently approved leadership changes in the health and social welfare sector, appointing Salako and Dr. Tosan Erhabor as Board Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, respectively, of MLSCN.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, President of the association, stated, “We, the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, object and reject the said appointment because it is a breach of the law establishing the Council.”
Ifeanyi went on to highlight the specific qualifications outlined in Section 3 (1) (a) of the law, emphasizing the requirement for the Chairman to be a qualified Fellow of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria with 5 years’ post-qualification experience, appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister from a list of names of the Fellows submitted by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria.
In response to Salako’s appointment, Ifeanyi remarked, “We are, therefore, shocked at the brazen violation of the above section of the LAW without recourse to the list of names submitted by the Association in compliance with the law to the Honourable Coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.”
The association has called on the National Assembly to investigate Salako’s appointment as Chairman of the Governing Board of MLSCN.