UDUS Medical Laboratory Science Students Gain Insight into International Career Pathways

Medical Laboratory Science students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) during week-long series training webinar sessions organized by the UDUS Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Students’ Association (NIMELSAA) gained insight into how to utilize global opportunities in their profession.

The event, organized in partnership with the African Federation of Medical Laboratory Science Students’ Association (AFMLSSA), which began on December 27, 2025, and ran through till last week, was themed "Shaping the Future: Career Guidance and Global Opportunities in Medical Laboratory Science."

The speakers in attendance included Shamsudden Yusuf Ma’aruf, a first-class MLS graduate currently studying for his PhD at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada; Sharafudeen Abubakar, a Researcher at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Canver Center in New York; Umar Jafar from the Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar; and Christopher Joshua Chukwu, the president of AFMLSSA.

Discussions anchored by the several speakers centered on questions encompassing all areas of medical laboratory science practice, with strong emphasis laid on the career pathways available after obtaining a BMLS degree. Participants were reminded that their degree should not be viewed as a limitation but rather as a means of growth in multiple sectors.

Citing instances of possible hindrances linked poor career planning, limiting oneself to a single pathway, or ignoring soft skills, they were urged to develop their skills by identifying what interests them, developing professional networks, and seeking opportunities to volunteer.

Speaking with VANGUARD PRESS on what she learnt, Huzaifah Abubakar, a 300-level student, said it was yet another opportunity to gain insight into the current trends in her field. Acknowledging the real-life applications shared by the facilitators, Huzaifah said her commitment to continuous knowledge is renewed, not only to gain professional experience but also to ensure quality assurance and safeguard the health of her patients.

Also, Shuaib Yahaya, a 500-level student in the department of medical laboratory science, said his motivation stemmed from a strong interest in international scholarships and a desire to gain a clearer understanding of what they truly entail. He was particularly curious about how Nigerian students have been able to secure scholarship opportunities at world-class universities despite the noticeable differences between Nigeria’s educational system and international learning environments. This curiosity led him to participate in the webinar to broaden his perspective and learn from real experiences.

He continued by saying the webinar proved to be both informative and enlightening, as it reshaped his perception of international scholarships, regarding the challenges Nigerian students face due to gaps in technological advancement in medical and laboratory practices. It also reinforced the relevance and importance of his course of study, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), and highlighted the need for academic excellence.