FG Inaugurates Committee to Boost Therapy Education in Nigeria

FG Inaugurates Committee to Boost Therapy Education in Nigeria
Moves to Close Gap in Occupational, Speech Therapy Training
The committee has been tasked with working closely with universities to develop and accredit degree programmes

The Federal Government has inaugurated a new national committee aimed at improving training and professional standards in occupational therapy, audiology, and speech therapy across Nigeria, Eko Hot Blog reports.

Contents

EDITOR’S PICK
FURTHER READING

Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the move is part of efforts to strengthen human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

EDITOR’S PICK

The newly formed National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Therapy Education (NCAOTASTE) is expected to address the growing demand for specialised healthcare and rehabilitation services in the country.

According to the minister, Nigeria currently faces a shortage of trained professionals in these fields, with many universities yet to offer structured degree programmes. Where such training exists, he noted, it often falls short of global standards.

“This initiative is a deliberate response to close the gap in training and improve service delivery,” Alausa said, adding that the committee’s success will be measured by the quality of programmes developed and professionals produced.

Private Sector Key to Fixing Nigeria’s Education Challenges - Alausa — Dr. Tunji Alausa

The committee has been tasked with working closely with universities to develop and accredit degree programmes, as well as setting minimum standards for training, infrastructure, and faculty development. It will also collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure that all programmes meet both national and international requirements.

Key institutions involved in the process include the National Universities Commission, which will oversee accreditation and quality assurance, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, which will serve as the committee’s secretariat and provide technical support.

The initiative also aligns with broader education reforms under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which focuses on expanding high-impact programmes and improving the quality of graduates.

Alausa noted that strengthening these disciplines will have far-reaching impact, particularly in supporting children with special needs, improving rehabilitation services, and enhancing care for individuals dealing with trauma or disabilities.

He urged members of the committee to approach their assignment with urgency and dedication, stressing that their work goes beyond education to improving lives and promoting inclusion across society.