Nigeria Grapples with Severe Deficit of Skilled Medical Experts, Federal Government Cautions

Nigeria is facing a widening gap in the training of critical healthcare professionals, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has said, warning that the shortage could affect service delivery, inclusion, and national productivity if not urgently addressed.

Alausa made this known during the inauguration of the National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Therapy Education in Abuja on Thursday, where he outlined 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.

Alausa pointed to growing needs across hospitals, schools, and communities, stressing that the demand for trained professionals in these areas continues to outpace supply.

“Across our hospitals, schools, and communities, there is an increasing need for professionals trained in Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Speech Therapy,” he said.

According to the minister, these disciplines play a vital role beyond healthcare, 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 areas.

“However, as we all know, Nigeria currently faces a significant gap in the availability and quality of training programmes in these critical fields.

“Many of our universities do not yet offer structured Bachelor’s degree programmes in these disciplines, and where training exists, it is often limited or not fully aligned with global best practices,” he said.

He warned that the shortfall has far-reaching implications for workforce development and the country’s ability to meet international standards.

“This gap has implications for service delivery, workforce development, and our ability to meet both national and international standards,” Alausa stated.

The minister said FG is working through relevant institutions, including the National Universities Commission, to improve quality assurance and expand academic programmes, while also collaborating with funding and regulatory bodies to ensure sustainability.

He emphasised that ongoing reforms are focused on expanding high-impact programmes and producing globally competitive graduates.

“We are focused on expanding high-impact programmes, improving quality assurance, and ensuring that our education system produces graduates who are globally competitive and locally relevant,” Alausa said.

Highlighting the broader social impact, the minister linked improvements in these fields to better support for vulnerable populations.

“We are also mindful that 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 minister tasked the newly inaugurated committee with working closely with universities, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to develop curricula, ensure accreditation standards, and promote sustainable training programmes.

Alausa stressed the importance of institutional collaboration, citing the roles of key agencies, including the National Universities Commission and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund in ensuring quality assurance and providing technical support.

“The success of this Committee will be measured not by meetings held, but by programmes established, standards upheld, and professionals produced,” he said.

He added that strengthening these disciplines would improve inclusive education for children with special needs, enhance rehabilitation services, and support individuals dealing with trauma, disability, and developmental challenges.

“The work you are about to undertake is not just about education—it is about restoring dignity, enabling inclusion, and building a stronger, more compassionate society,” the minister told committee members.

FG, he assured, would continue to provide policy direction and institutional backing to ensure the success of the initiative.

During the inauguration, the Occupational Therapist, Edo State Specialist Hospital, Dr Victoria Amu, formally accepted her appointment as Chairman of the committee.

In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to the minister and outlined her vision for advancing specialised therapy education.

Amu stressed the urgency of addressing gaps in training and manpower development.

“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,” she said.

She assured the minister that the committee would work with discipline and focus to deliver actionable recommendations.

Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, Dr Amu said, “Strengthening education in Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Speech Therapy will significantly enhance the quality of healthcare services in our country.

“It will improve early diagnosis and intervention for children with Autism, adults with Neurodevelopmental disorders, physical, and Psychosocial disabilities; by supporting inclusive education, boost rehabilitation services, and ultimately empower individuals to live more productive and fulfilling lives.”

She also called on stakeholders to actively participate in the effort.

“The success of this noble initiative cannot rest on the shoulders of the committee alone.

“I therefore call on all stakeholders, government institutions, academic leaders, professional bodies, private sector partners, and indeed all Nigerians, to support this effort.

“Your cooperation, input, and commitment will be instrumental in achieving the set objectives and ensuring sustainable impact,” she said.

Other members of the committee include officials from NUC and TETFund; Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. David Atuwo; Medical Director of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Kano, Dr. Isa Nurudeen; Provost and Medical Director of Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta, Dr. Paul Agboola; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Prof. Ebunoluwa Aderonke Adejuyigbe; Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, Prof. John Emaimo; Special Education Department, University of Ibadan, Prof. Julius Ademokoya; Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education, Afuze, Edo State, Dr. Paul Femi Unufegan; and National President of the Occupational Therapists Association of Nigeria, Ayeni Oluwasegun. The TETFund Secretariat also serves on the committee.

Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, faces a critical shortage of medical rehabilitation professionals. In 2024, media reports citing the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria highlighted that the country had only 163 Occupational Therapists, 103 Speech Therapists and Audiologists, and 200 Prosthetists and Orthotists.

The limited number of structured university programmes in these fields has left many hospitals, schools, and communities without the trained specialists needed to provide inclusive education, early intervention, and community-based rehabilitation services.