Donatus Uchechukwu Ozegbe
Amuwo-Odofin,Nigeria
Summary
Donatus is a public health Biomedical Scientist with over ten years of cognate experience in HIV/ TB implementation in Nigeria, with a focus primarily on high-impact disease programs. This robust educational foundation provides expertise in translating complex biochemical and immunological data into clinical and public health action. Professionally, Donatus is a HCPC-Registered Biomedical Scientist in the UK, underscoring a commitment to international standards of laboratory practice and professional integrity. For the past ten years, Donatus has functioned as a crucial Public Health Laboratory Specialist, driving and managing laboratory aspects of large-scale disease control and prevention programs. This experience encompasses quality assurance, capacity building, and ensuring the reliability of diagnostic testing, critical for managing population health outcomes related to HIV and Tuberculosis. Donatus's work is defined by precision, regulatory compliance, and a profound contribution to global health security. His interests are in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Epidemiology, Data analytics, Forensic Medicine and Research Ethics.
Accomplished Technical Officer skilled in coordinating and leading technical Laboratory projects.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Technical Officer, Laboratory Services (Ekiti Laboratory Lead)
Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS)-Ekiti State
Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
2022.10 - 2026.02
- Provide technical expertise and assistance in implementing high-quality laboratory services within the care and treatment project in Nigeria, including laboratory capacity development at project health facility sites.
- Give technical support and develop quality policies, quality tools, SOPs and recommendations related to the implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of laboratory services for HIV/AIDS, opportunistic (OI) and malaria care and treatment in collaboration with technical staff within ECEWS and at national, state and local agencies in Nigeria.
- Provide technical assistance in capacity building for laboratory services at health facilities and other settings as appropriate.
- Support the implementation of state level laboratory strategic objectives of the project with specific emphasis on optimizing laboratory monitoring of PLHIVs through Viral Load eligibility monitoring, timely sample collection and management as well as availability, documentation and use of Viral Load Results.
- Support the laboratory system strengthening and management in assigned facilities, working with designated focal persons in the State Program Implementation Team (SPIU), to communicate HIV Surge urgencies and evidence-based performance optimization strategies.
- Support the Laboratory technical leadership to facilitate the development, review and implementation of laboratory QA/QC programs, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manuals for all laboratory related aspects of the project.
- Mentor and supervise performance and quality of Laboratory Services through laboratory optimizers (or champions), facility and community case management teams for achieving linkage to optimized ART, client education and retention, and management of virologically unsuppressed clients.
- Coordinate assigned facility and community resources and personnel to ensure performance management of Viral Load targets; including structured, sustainable capacity building and the application of Quality Improvement methodologies to progressively optimize Viral Load systems on the project.
- Participate in the recruitment process, training and supervision of ad hoc laboratory personnel when required.
- Facilitate accurate laboratory specimen data reporting, routine laboratory data analysis and interpretation of laboratory results from the project and provide feedback on ways to improve/streamline laboratory procedures and systems.
- Work closely with NiSRN Logistic Officers, 3PLs and health facilities to ensure that client samples for HIV VL, EID, CD4 and TB (from community and facility service delivery points) are correctly collected, processed, and transported and that results are returned in a timely manner.
- Provide technical assistance for Laboratorians in supported facilities to ensure maintenance and efficient use of instrumentation for Flow cytometry for CD4 phenotyping and Gene Xpert for MTB/RIF diagnosis.
- Support supply, management and reporting for laboratory consumables, reagents, and RTKs to prevent stock outs and eliminate wastages.
- Facilitate technical assistance for recency testing and HIV rapid testing continuous quality improvement program at supported HTS points, diagnosis of opportunistic infection and monitoring, and HIV viral load services.
- Provide technical assistance to strengthen laboratory systems through the implementation of ISO 15189 requirements and the SLMTA/SLIPTA accreditation processes.
- Review and provide regular updates on implementation of strategies for Laboratory Services to SO and CO Teams including laboratory specific reports, weekly and monthly presentations to State teams; contributions to monthly and quarterly State and Program reports as well as other updates based on request.
- Work closely with the State Epidemiological Control Advisor and the State Laboratory Advisor to develop project work plans and monitor progress toward program objectives and timelines. This includes regular reporting to and communication with Project leadership and the CDC.
- Work closely with the State Ministry of Health, NASCP/SASCP team, and other relevant Stakeholders to strengthen the State’s capacity for effective and efficient Laboratory Systems for patient diagnostics and monitoring, equipment maintenance, laboratory reference guides and standard operating procedures, and infection prevention and control.
- Document project training and technical assistance activities and contribute to the production and dissemination of technical reports, guides, manuals, success stories, and other printed resources and toolkits.
- Stay up-to-date and serve as a repository on new information and knowledge in ART clinical management and programming.
- Routinely attend and provide appropriate technical leadership in program meetings, executing resolutions within her/his purview as appropriate.
Senior Technical Officer, Laboratory Services
Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) –Asaba, Delta State
Asaba, Nigeria
2020.01 - 2022.01
- On the 4 Gates project, I worked with the Delta CCFN team to provide and implement Quality laboratory services across all CCFN-supported facilities in Delta state in the following areas:
- Assist in the design, planning, and implementation of laboratory services and laboratory-related activities. Compile, analyze, and monitor trends in the functionality and optimization of all Clinical laboratory services as well as laboratory-related activities.
- Support Viral Load, RECENCY, and Advanced HIV Disease scale-up activities in Delta State. Coordinate Laboratory Services activities across 58 SDFs supported by CARITAS Nigeria in Delta State.
- I mentor and provide technical support to facility staff on the integration of COVID-19 RDT testing into the HIV program.
- I also work as the NCDC State Surveillance Officer to ensure all COVID-19 RDT testing across Delta State and ensure they are reported through SORMAS.
- Plan and monitor Rapid test quality improvement initiatives across all the states.
- Support the implementation of Laboratory Continuous Quality Improvement and the development and institution of appropriate corrective and preventive action respectively.
- Assists in the evaluation of laboratory methods and procedures; and conducts periodic laboratory system assessment and review of activities.
- Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the Integrated Sample Referral Network and an efficient biosafety and infection control program across all supported healthcare facilities and communities.
- Assist in the development and adaptation of required guidelines/standards for related laboratory services. Be responsible for the functionality of all laboratory information systems and linkage to EMR.
- Responsible for the design, implementation, and monitoring system to ensure efficient documentation of laboratory information. Prepare progress reports of laboratory activities, lab program implementation, and lab quality issues.
- Develop, implement, and monitor the laboratory logistics plan to support program implementation. Be responsible for Dry Tube Specimen (DTS) production, distribution, and monitoring of the HIV EQA proficiency testing program. Logistics management of RTKs and Laboratory Commodities.
Technical Officer Laboratory Services
CCCRN
2015.01 - 2020.01
- Give technical support and develop quality policies, quality tools, SOPs and recommendations related to implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of lab services for HIV/AIDS, Logistics management of Laboratory commodities, Opportunistic infection (OI) and malaria care and treatment in collaboration with technical staff within CHAN and at national, state and local agencies in Nigeria.
- Will provide technical expertise and leadership in implementing high quality laboratory services in local partner facilities including laboratory capacity development. Supervise, Coordinate Dry Blood Spot (DBS) sample collection from children for PCR, mentor and build capacity of PTF laboratory officers.
- Coordinate the implementation of injection safety, blood safety and waste management guidelines and policies in focal supported Laboratories. Work with national and state technical working group to develop standard operating procedures(SOPs) for different HIV laboratory tests ( CD4 count and Viral load testing).
- Design systems for the continual monitoring of the impact of LQMS in the quality of patient care and reliability of the laboratory results.
- Coordinate the conduct of internal audits, investigation of non-conformities and monitoring of the implementation of appropriate corrective and preventive action.
- Document all non-compliances, gap assessments and conduct analysis of gaps and share findings with management and internal stakeholders.
Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist / Head of Blood Bank
The Premier Specialists Medical Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos
Victoria Island, Nigeria
2013.01 - 2015.01
- Use of both 5parts and 3parts mindray hematology auto-analyzers to perform complete blood count (CBC)
- Performance of daily quality controls and maintenance checks on the equipment which include but not limited to using commercially prepared controls to determine the accuracy of the test values, ensuring the cleanliness of the machine, proper reagents condition, and generally adhering to the determined maintenance procedures in other to maximize the analyzer uptime and to ensure reliable performance daily.
- Performance of manual haematology test which includes, blood film making and reporting of normal white blood cells and pathological cells, reticulocytes count, platelet count, etc.
- Performance of coagulation studies manually and also using automation with the ISTAT machine(Point of Care testing Machine).
- Performance of haemoglobin genotyping, using Helena zone electrophoretic machine and blood grouping using the antisera reagent.
- Performance of donor-recipient compatibility testing prior to any blood transfusion to rule out all possible transfusion reactions. Proficiency in the blood banking system.
- Clinical chemistry Assays are carried out using a variety of techniques ranging from fully-automated instruments, HPLC, and spectrophotometry where necessary.
- Performance of tests with a short Turn- around- time on automated high-volume rapid analyzers. These include but are not limited to glucose test, kidney function tests, liver function test, CSF glucose and protein, lipids profile, calcium, phosphorus, measurement of drugs frequently involve in poison as well as commonly monitored therapeutic drugs.
- Hormonal assays are also performed, which include but not limited to fertility profile, Thyroid function test, serum cortisol, Ca 125, Ca 19-9, CEA, Ca15-3, BHCG, Troponin I, CKMB using Minividas Compact multiparametric immunoanalyzers and also Cobas e411.
- Point of care testing is given using the ISTAT analyzer to measure Blood gasses, Coagulation profile, some cardiac markers, and a range of diagnostics tests.
- The quality of the clinical chemistry tests involves a commitment to all phases of the testing system, therefore, I ensure that quality assurance is a top priority by carrying out daily and other routine maintenance checks and quality control before proceeding with the daily test.
- (BLOOD SCIENCES)
Laboratory Manager /Head of Dept
St. Mary’s Hospital Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Okpoga, Benue state Nigeria
Okpoga, Nigeria
2011.01 - 2013.01
- Provide leadership role by providing general Administration & Management of all lab activities in the hospital, ensuring a reliable & Quality Laboratory service through the implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS). Logistics management of RTK and other laboratory commodities.
National Youth Service Corp (NYSC)
Glanson Medical Laboratories Ltd
, Nigeria
2010.01 - 2011.01
Intern Med. Lab. Scientist
Federal Medical Centre Makurdi
Makurdi
2009.01 - 2010.01
- One-year internship programme
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Inview - Public Health(Epidemiology)
University of Port Harcourt
Nigeria 2025.05 -
BMLS - Medical Laboratory Science
Ambrose Alli University
Ekpoma 2004.09 - 2010.11
Deploma - Computer Science
University of Jos
Nigeria 1998.09 - 2000.09
O-Level -
Boys Secondary School
Obiaruku 1990.09 - 1995.06
Master of Science - Chemical Pathology & Immunology
Olabisi Onabanjo University
Ago Iwoye 2019.09 - 2022.01
Primary Sch Leaving Certificate -
Ishieni Primary School
Utue 1985.09 - 1990.08
Skills
- Maintaining rigorous Quality Assurance (QA/QC) laboratory standards (like ISO 15189) to ensure test results are accurate and reproducible
- Using statistical methods to track disease outbreaks and predict future trends within a population Also, evaluating the cost-effectiveness of medical treatments or public health policies to ensure resources are used efficiently
- Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision
- I am a fast learner, possess excellent problem-solving capabilities, and can manage a significant workload
- High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English communication
- Ability to work under pressure
- Well-developed computer skills
- Ability to work with a team (team spirit)
- Give attention to details and results-oriented
Certification
- PhD. Public Health (Epidemiology): In view
- M.Sc. Chemical Pathology & Immunology
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences: Second Class Honour -Upper Division
- Registered Biomedical Scientist- Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) -United Kingdom
- Diploma in Computer Science - Upper Credit Level
- Senior Secondary School Certificate - SSCE
- Primary School Leaving Certificate.
REFEREES
- Kingsley, Oiseomaye, Senior Technical Officer, Laboratory Services- Osun, koiseomanye@ecews.org, +2348035541321, Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS)
- Edewede, Onokeybagbe, Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services, eonokeybagbe@ccfng.org, +2348064003761, Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN)- CARITAS Nigeria
RESEARCH WORK/ PUBLICATIONS
1. Malondialdehyde, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, and lipid profile alterations in COVID-19 patients: insights from South-Western Nigeria. BMC Infect Dis (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/ s12879-026-12622-1
2. Effects of Tetracarpidium Conophorum (African Walnut) on Haemostasis and Body Weight of Swiss Wistar Rats. Published Research Article 2022: Open Access Journal of Biomedical Sciences. ISSN: 2690-487X,
Languages
English
Fluent
Affiliations
- Football, Reading and Research
Timeline
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Inview - Public Health(Epidemiology)
University of Port Harcourt
2025.05 -
Technical Officer, Laboratory Services (Ekiti Laboratory Lead)
Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS)-Ekiti State
2022.10 - 2026.02
Senior Technical Officer, Laboratory Services
Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) –Asaba, Delta State
2020.01 - 2022.01
Master of Science - Chemical Pathology & Immunology
Olabisi Onabanjo University
2019.09 - 2022.01
Technical Officer Laboratory Services
CCCRN
2015.01 - 2020.01
Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist / Head of Blood Bank
The Premier Specialists Medical Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos
2013.01 - 2015.01
Laboratory Manager /Head of Dept
St. Mary’s Hospital Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Okpoga, Benue state Nigeria
2011.01 - 2013.01
National Youth Service Corp (NYSC)
Glanson Medical Laboratories Ltd
2010.01 - 2011.01
Intern Med. Lab. Scientist
Federal Medical Centre Makurdi
2009.01 - 2010.01
BMLS - Medical Laboratory Science
Ambrose Alli University
2004.09 - 2010.11
Deploma - Computer Science
University of Jos
1998.09 - 2000.09
O-Level -
Boys Secondary School
1990.09 - 1995.06
Primary Sch Leaving Certificate -
Ishieni Primary School
1985.09 - 1990.08