19/05/2026
TRIBUTE TO A DISTINGUISHED ICON OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE:
PROFESSOR SIMON JASPER UTSALO
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Edo State Branch join the entire Medical Laboratory Science community in Nigeria to mourn with profound sadness the passing of Professor Simon Jasper Utsalo, a distinguished scholar, administrator, mentor, and one of the finest ambassadors of the Medical Laboratory Science profession in Nigeria.
Born in 1944 and hailing from Jattu-Uzairue in Edo State, Professor Simon Utsalo dedicated his life to the advancement of Medical Laboratory Science, public health, and infectious diseases research. He began his professional journey at the School of Medical Laboratory Science, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and subsequently pursued further academic and professional training overseas, equipping himself for a lifetime of exceptional service and scholarship.
Professor Utsalo was a Medical Laboratory Scientist of remarkable intellect and excellence whose contributions to academia and healthcare left indelible footprints across Nigeria and beyond. His distinguished career saw him rise to occupy several prestigious positions at the University of Calabar, including Former Head of Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dean of the Allied Medical College, and Deputy Vice- Chancellor.
Beyond his academic accomplishments, Professor Utsalo will be remembered for his uncommon humility, sacrificial leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Medical Laboratory Science profession.
As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Medical Laboratory Science (JMLS) for a decade, he devoted his intellect, resources, and valuable time toward building and sustaining a journal that attained national recognition and global relevance. Through his dedication to quality and excellence, the journal earned commendation and support, including recognition and support by TETFUND.
His service to AMLSN was marked not by personal gain, but by quiet sacrifice and genuine commitment to the growth of the profession. He gave selflessly, investing his personal resources and academic expertise to strengthen the legacy and future of Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria.
Professor Simon Jasper Utsalo was truly a role model, an accomplished academic, an outstanding university administrator, and a committed professional whose life embodied excellence, discipline, integrity, and service.
Though he has departed this earthly realm, his enduring legacy of scholarship, sacrifice, and dedication to humanity and the Medical Laboratory Science profession will continue to inspire generations to come.
The AMLSN Edo State Branch extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends, associates, and the entire Medical Laboratory Science community.
May Almighty God grant his gentle soul eternal rest and grant all who mourn him the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Adieu, Professor Simon Jasper Utsalo.
Adieu, a silent achiever and distinguished icon.
Adieu, a worthy ambassador of our noble profession.
Signed
Onuoha Peter E.
State Publicity Secretary
AMLSN Edo State Branch
