The Federal Government has directed universities and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria to introduce degree and diploma programmes in occupational therapy, audiology, and speech therapy, aiming to tackle the acute shortage of skilled professionals in these critical healthcare fields.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, explained that the move is a strategic response to the growing demand for specialised healthcare and rehabilitation services, highlighting that Nigeria faces a significant gap in both the availability and quality of training in these disciplines.
The directive was given on Thursday in Abuja during the inauguration of the National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Therapy Education (NCAOTASTE).
“We are at a defining moment in our nation’s development, one where the demand for specialised healthcare and rehabilitation services is rising rapidly,” Alausa said. “Across our hospitals, schools and communities, there is an increasing need for professionals trained in occupational therapy, audiology and speech therapy.”
The minister noted that many universities currently do not offer structured programmes in these fields, while existing courses fall short of global best practices, a situation with significant implications for service delivery and workforce development. At present, only Ondo State Medical University and Obafemi Awolowo University run programmes in the disciplines.
However, about 20 universities have expressed interest in introducing the courses, with eight already at advanced stages of preparation. Alausa therefore urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to fast-track accreditation, aiming to complete the process before the end of the year.
“The inauguration of this committee is a deliberate and strategic response to this challenge,” the minister added, noting that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He further disclosed that the committee has been mandated to collaborate with universities to establish bachelor’s degree programmes, develop curricula, guide accreditation processes, and work with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria to ensure compliance with national and international standards.
Other responsibilities include providing technical guidance on clinical training, reviewing academic and infrastructural requirements, and engaging stakeholders to ensure sustainability and funding of the programmes.
The minister also announced an annual budget of N500 million to support the committee’s activities and encouraged prospective students to explore the emerging fields, describing them as viable and rewarding career paths.
He added that the initiative would also create pathways for diploma holders to transition into degree programmes, while discouraging substandard training that could undermine professional standards.
Responding, Dr. Victoria Amu, Chairman of the committee and Director of Occupational Therapy at Edo Specialist Hospital, said the initiative to institutionalise these programmes had been ongoing for over two decades.
She emphasised that it would significantly enhance early detection and intervention for autism and related conditions, reduce medical tourism, and improve access to specialised care within Nigeria.
Amu further noted that expanding local training capacity would strengthen the healthcare system, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Nigerians requiring rehabilitative and therapeutic services.
