FG Directs Universities to Offer Occupational Therapy Programs

The Federal Government of Nigeria has mandated that universities incorporate Occupational Therapy into their degree programs to bridge the existing gap in quality training for this profession. This directive was announced during the inauguration of a national committee aimed at advancing Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Speech Therapy education, led by Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education.

The committee will work with Nigerian universities to establish bachelor's degree programs and develop curricula that align with international standards. Dr. Victoria Omua Amu, the head of the committee and Director of Occupational Therapy at Edo Specialist Hospital, emphasized the importance of quality training in meeting the rising demand for specialized healthcare rehabilitation services.

The initiative is supported by an annual budget of N500 million and aims to ensure that training programs meet regulatory requirements and provide necessary clinical guidance. The government seeks to enhance the professional workforce in Nigeria, which currently faces a significant shortage in this critical field.