Prof. Ikeh, Evang. Dr. Armah, Dr. Okara & Dr. Awinibuno honoured at 4th WAPCMLS Regional Conference in Cotonou, Benin

The 4th Regional Conference of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS), held in Cotonou, Benin, was a historic gathering of distinguished professionals in the medical laboratory sciences from across West Africa. During the conference, several prominent figures in the field were honoured for their exceptional contributions to medical research, professional development, and health system improvement across the region. Among those celebrated were Professor Eugene Ifeanyichukwu Ikeh, Evangelist Dr. Jacob Akuetteh Armah, Dr. Godswill C. Okara, and Dr. Ignatius Abowini Nchor Awinibuno.

Prof. Eugene Ifeanyichukwu Ikeh: A visionary leader in medical education

Professor Eugene Ikeh, the current President of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science, was at the forefront of the conference. Elected in November 2022, Prof. Ikeh succeeded Professor Nafiu Amidu, the inaugural president, and has since committed to building on the foundation laid by his predecessor. As a renowned Professor of Medical Microbiology and a pioneer in the field, Ikeh has been a driving force behind the College’s growth. His tenure as the President promises to elevate the College to new heights, ensuring continued excellence in medical laboratory education and research.

Prof. Ikeh’s leadership journey began long before he became President. He served as the Foundation Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology at the University of Jos, Nigeria, where he also headed the Department of Medical Laboratory Science. His vision for the College centers on strengthening diagnostic capacities, expanding postgraduate training, and advancing the professional development of laboratory scientists across the West African sub-region.

Evang. Dr. Jacob Akuetteh Armah: Celebrating service and leadership

Evang. Dr. Jacob Akuetteh Armah, a Consultant Medical Laboratory Scientist and a Fellow of WAPCMLS, was also honoured by WAPCMLS. He holds the position of Treasurer in the new executive committee of the College. A highly respected figure in Ghana, Dr. Armah’s remarkable career includes serving as an influential leader within the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS). His work has extended beyond professional advocacy, as he has also been an evangelist, combining faith and science to improve healthcare delivery.

With academic qualifications including an MPhil, LIMIS, and several other degrees, Dr. Armah’s leadership has had a significant impact not only in Ghana but across the West African region. His contributions to the College and the medical laboratory profession continue to shape the future of laboratory sciences in the region.

Dr. Godswill C. Okara: A visionary behind the WAPCMLS legacy

Dr. Godswill C. Okara, the pioneering Registrar/Secretary General of WAPCMLS, received the prestigious Award of Recognition and Appreciation at the conference for his outstanding contributions to the establishment and growth of the College. His visionary leadership, starting with his bold proposal at the 29th World Congress of the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science in 2010, was instrumental in the creation of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science.

Dr. Okara’s persistence and commitment transformed the idea into reality, culminating in the College’s formal inauguration by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) in 2020. Under his leadership, the College achieved critical milestones, including recognition by the ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers and full membership in the World Association of Societies of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (WASPaLM). He also oversaw the launch of WAPCMLS’s fellowship training programme, which celebrated its first cohort of PhD graduates in 2023. Dr. Okara’s influence will remain a defining factor in the development of the College for years to come.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Okara expressed profound gratitude for the collective efforts of his colleagues across West Africa and beyond, acknowledging that the realization of the College was a team effort. “It has been a great source of joy and fulfillment,” he said, reflecting on the success of the vision he had long championed.

Dr. Ignatius Abowini Nchor Awinibuno: A champion for public health and medical research

Dr. Ignatius Abowini Nchor Awinibuno, a former president of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS), was awarded the title of “Ghana Vision Facilitator” at the conference. The recognition was in honour of his outstanding work in advancing public health and medical research in Ghana. Dr. Awinibuno’s career has been marked by his advocacy for the professional development of allied health professionals, particularly in the medical laboratory sciences.

Currently serving as the Chief Programme Officer and Director of Allied Health at Ghana’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Awinibuno has played a key role in shaping healthcare policy and improving the status of healthcare workers in Ghana. His research, particularly in chronic diseases and mental health, has made a significant impact on public health in the region. His study on the psychological distress experienced by medical laboratory professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for mental health support within the healthcare workforce.

Dr. Awinibuno’s recognition as the Ghana Vision Facilitator is a testament to his tireless work in public health, particularly in addressing the challenges of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. His dedication to bridging the gap between research and healthcare practice continues to drive positive change in Ghana and West Africa.

Looking forward: A collaborative future for WAPCMLS

The 4th WAPCMLS Regional Conference in Cotonou was not just a celebration of individual achievements, but a collective reflection on the tremendous strides the College has made under the leadership of figures like Prof. Ikeh, Dr. Armah, Dr. Okara, and Dr. Awinibuno. The conference provided a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and setting the stage for the future of medical laboratory sciences in West Africa.

As WAPCMLS continues to grow, the recognition of these leaders underscores the importance of dedication, innovation, and collaboration in advancing the medical laboratory profession. With a new executive committee in place, the College is poised to further elevate the standard of medical laboratory education and practice across the region, ensuring that West Africa continues to contribute to global advancements in health and science.

For these leaders, the journey is far from over. The achievements celebrated in Cotonou are merely the beginning of a renewed commitment to advancing medical laboratory sciences in West Africa and improving health outcomes for all.