Tunji Alausa has warned that Nigeria faces a widening shortage of critical healthcare professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and Audiologists, which could negatively affect service delivery, inclusion, and national productivity if not urgently addressed.
Alausa made the statement on Thursday during the inauguration of the National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Therapy Education in Abuja, highlighting the Federal Government’s renewed focus on strengthening specialised education in key rehabilitation and therapy fields.
“We are at a defining moment in our nation’s development, one where the demand for specialised healthcare and rehabilitation services is rising rapidly,” he said, noting that hospitals, schools, and communities increasingly require trained professionals in these areas.
Alausa emphasised that these disciplines extend beyond healthcare delivery, contributing to inclusive education, social integration, and 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,” he added.
Despite their importance, Alausa noted that Nigeria’s higher education system has yet to fully develop structured training pathways in these fields, with many universities lacking Bachelor’s degree programmes or offering courses not fully aligned with global best practices.
“This gap has implications for service delivery, workforce development, and our ability to meet both national and international standards,” the minister warned.
The minister stated that the Federal Government is working with institutions such as the National Universities Commission and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to expand academic programmes, improve quality assurance, and ensure sustainability.
Highlighting the social impact, Alausa linked improvements in these fields to better support for vulnerable populations, including children with special needs and individuals affected by trauma, disability, or developmental challenges.
He tasked the newly inaugurated committee with collaborating with universities, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to develop curricula, ensure accreditation standards, and promote sustainable training programmes.
Dr Victoria Amu, Occupational Therapist at Edo State Specialist Hospital, formally accepted her appointment as chairman, pledging to address gaps in training and manpower development urgently.
She said the initiative would improve early diagnosis and intervention for children with Autism, adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, and individuals with physical and psychosocial disabilities, while supporting inclusive education and rehabilitation services.
Dr. Amu urged stakeholders—including government institutions, academic leaders, professional bodies, and private sector partners—to actively support the initiative to ensure sustainable impact.
Other committee members include officials from the National Universities Commission and TETFund, senior advisers to the minister, medical directors from the National Orthopedic Hospital, Kano, and Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Aro, vice-chancellors of universities, representatives from special education departments, and the National President of the Occupational Therapists Association of Nigeria, Ayeni Oluwasegun.
Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, currently has only 163 Occupational Therapists, 103 Speech Therapists and Audiologists, and 200 Prosthetists and Orthotists, according to the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria in 2024. The shortage of structured university programmes has left hospitals, schools, and communities without the trained specialists needed for inclusive education, early intervention, and community-based rehabilitation services.
