Get to Know Us
College Profile
The Genesis
In June 2010, West African delegates at the 29th IFBLS World Congress in Nairobi, Kenya identified a critical gap: the ECOWAS sub-region had no postgraduate college dedicated to medical laboratory science. Specialists who trained abroad rarely returned, draining the region of expertise it desperately needed.
The delegates agreed to create that institution themselves. They named it the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science and called the founding agreement The Nairobi Initiative. Nigeria was mandated to draft the Constitution and convene a follow-up conference of all ECOWAS member associations.
By September 2010, the Draft Constitution had been adopted in Lagos. Three years later, six ECOWAS member states and Cameroon signed a Memorandum of Understanding and inaugurated the College's Steering Board. WAHO granted formal ECOWAS recognition in 2016, and the College received its Certificate of Incorporation under Nigerian law on 13th August 2018.
Ghana became the first country to inaugurate its national Chapter in April 2019 with 43 Foundation Fellows. The Regional Council was inaugurated and all Foundation Fellows invested at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos in February 2020, marking the formal start of training and examinations across the sub-region.
Our Vision
WAPCMLS aims to produce Medical Laboratory Science specialists of the highest standards who will provide world-class services in healthcare delivery, diagnostic reagents production, teaching and professional research in human and animal health services.
Our Mission Statement
To plan and implement postgraduate programmes required to produce Medical Laboratory Science professionals of the highest quality, competence and dedication, who will provide effective diagnostic laboratory services, teaching and research leadership for addressing the health needs of West Africa and the global community.
Mandate
The College is a corporate body limited by guarantee under the Federal Ministry of Justice with headquarters in Nigeria, in technical affiliation to the West African Health Organization (WAHO). The College Council comprises 30 members with two representatives from each of the 15 ECOWAS member states.
The mandate of the College is to:
- Promote specialist education in Medical Laboratory Science across the ECOWAS region
- Conduct postgraduate examinations and award Membership and Fellowship certificates and diplomas
- Promote continuous professional development for medical laboratory professionals
- Advance postgraduate medical laboratory education and research
- Advise governments and health bodies on policies relating to medical laboratory practice
- Foster collaboration among medical laboratory science associations in West Africa
Core Values
Excellence — We pursue the highest standards in postgraduate medical laboratory science training and assessment.
Integrity — We uphold transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct across all our activities and examinations.
Collaboration — We work across national boundaries, partnering with regulatory bodies and professional associations throughout West Africa.
Innovation — We embrace modern diagnostic techniques and evolving curricula to keep pace with global biomedical advancement.
Service — We are committed to improving healthcare outcomes by producing laboratory professionals who serve their communities with dedication.
Inaugural Steering Board
Elected on 30th August 2013 at the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by representatives of six ECOWAS member countries and Cameroon. The MOU embodies fourteen articles of agreement and framework for collaboration and operation of the College within the ECOWAS Region.
Dr. Godswill Okara
Chairman of the Board
Hon. Dr. Prince Sodoke Amuzu
Secretary of the Board
Dr. Youan Gouanda Pascal
Member
Mr. Mawu Koudjo
Member
Dr. Haddy Bah Camara
Member
Mr. Daniel G. Wah
Member
Mr. Chattad Patrick Joseph
Member
Mr. Tabi Zambo M.
Member
Foundation Fellows & Chapters
The Foundation Fellows are the cornerstone of the College. They set the ground rules, draw up training curricula in each Faculty, accredit training centres, examine trainees, and award certificates and Fellowship diplomas to deserving candidates.
The high point in the development of the College was the Inauguration of the Regional Council and Induction/Investiture of all Foundation Fellows, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos from 21st to 23rd February 2020. Foundation Fellows from seven participating countries took part in this epoch-making occasion.
The roll-out of training and examinations by the College Faculties signals a major step in raising the corps of specialists to strengthen the medical laboratory capacity and capabilities of healthcare services, disease surveillance and control across the region.
As a postgraduate College for training and award of Fellowship certificates and diplomas, the professional Associations in the respective countries play a major role in facilitating the development and effective operation of the College.
Key Milestones
2010
The Nairobi Initiative
Delegates from West Africa at the 29th IFBLS World Congress in Nairobi agree to form WAPCMLS. Nigeria is mandated to draft the Constitution and host a follow-up meeting.
2010
Draft Constitution Adopted
ECOWAS member representatives convene in Lagos. Prof. Vincent S. Gallicchio, IFBLS President, performs the inaugural presentation of the Draft Constitution.
2013
Steering Board Inaugurated
Six ECOWAS member states and Cameroon sign the MOU. The Steering Board is elected with Dr. Godswill Okara as Chairman.
2016
ECOWAS Recognition
The Executive Board of WAHO issues a Letter of No Objection on behalf of the ECOWAS President.
2018
Certificate of Incorporation
WAPCMLS receives its Certificate of Incorporation under Nigerian law on 13th August, following clearances from the Federal Ministries of Education and Health.
2018
Implementation Work Plan
The Steering Board convenes in Accra, Ghana to draw up a Work Plan for operationalising the College Constitution, including formation of Country Chapters.
2019
First Country Chapter
Ghana inaugurates the first national Chapter with 43 Foundation Fellows on 15th April. Nigeria follows with 90 Foundation Fellows.
2020
Regional Council Inauguration
Inauguration of the Regional Council and Induction/Investiture of all Foundation Fellows at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.
Affiliations
WAPCMLS maintains formal relationships with regional and international bodies that support our mission to advance medical laboratory science across the sub-region.
West African Health Organisation (WAHO)
Formal Letter of No Objection, 2016
ECOWAS
Regional recognition — 15 member state representation
International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS)
The Nairobi Initiative was born at the 29th IFBLS Congress
Regional Medical Laboratory Scientists Associations
National-level coordination across all country chapters
Learn more about our leadership and governance
Meet the people driving the College's mission forward.