Nigeria is grappling with a significant shortage of specialised healthcare professionals in key rehabilitation fields, the Federal Government has warned, cautioning that the gap could undermine service delivery, inclusive education, and national productivity if left unaddressed.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, highlighted the issue on Thursday while inaugurating the National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Speech Therapy Education in Abuja.
“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.
He noted increasing needs across hospitals, schools, and communities for experts in Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Speech Therapy fields critical not only for healthcare but also for inclusive education, social integration, and boosting workforce productivity.
“These disciplines are essential, not only for healthcare delivery but also for inclusive education, social integration, and the overall productivity of our citizens,” the minister added.
Despite their importance, Alausa pointed out that Nigeria’s higher education system still lacks sufficient structured training programmes in these areas. Many universities do not offer dedicated Bachelor’s degrees, and existing ones are often limited or not fully aligned with global standards.
“This gap has implications for service delivery, workforce development, and our ability to meet both national and international standards,” he warned.
The minister explained that the Federal Government is collaborating with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other agencies to expand high-impact programmes, strengthen quality assurance, and produce graduates who are both globally competitive and locally relevant. He also stressed the need for sustainable funding and regulatory support.
Alausa tasked the new committee with developing curricula, securing accreditation, and promoting training programmes in partnership with universities and stakeholders. He emphasised that success would be judged by tangible outcomes: new programmes established, standards upheld, and more professionals trained.
“Strengthening these disciplines will have a direct impact on inclusive education for children with special needs, rehabilitation services in our healthcare system, support for individuals affected by trauma, disability, and developmental challenges, and ultimately, the quality of life of our citizens,” he said.
The newly appointed committee chairman, Dr. Victoria Amu (Occupational Therapist at Edo State Specialist Hospital), acknowledged the urgency of the situation.“We are fully conscious of the urgency attached to this assignment. The gaps in training, manpower development, and institutional capacity in these specialised areas must be addressed without delay,” Amu stated.
She added that bolstering education in these fields would improve early diagnosis and intervention for conditions like autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, and various disabilities, while enhancing rehabilitation services and promoting more productive lives for affected individuals.
Amu called on all stakeholders, government institutions, academic leaders, professional bodies, the private sector, and Nigerians at large to support the initiative for lasting impact.
With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria has a critically low number of these specialists. Reports from 2024, citing the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria, indicated only 163 Occupational Therapists, 103 Speech Therapists and Audiologists, and 200 Prosthetists and Orthotists nationwide.
This scarcity has left many hospitals, schools, and communities without adequate support for inclusive education, early intervention, and community-based rehabilitation.
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