The federal government has launched the National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Speech Therapy Education (NCAOTASTE), signaling a major investment in specialized healthcare training.
The initiative includes a commitment of 500 million Naira in annual funding, aimed at addressing critical gaps in these vital healthcare areas. Dr. Victoria Amu has been appointed to lead the newly formed committee.
During the inauguration, Minister of Education Mr. Tunji Alausa emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing the growing demand for specialized healthcare services in Nigeria. With a population exceeding 220 million, the need for qualified professionals in occupational therapy, audiology, and speech therapy is increasingly urgent.
The lack of adequate training programs has left many, particularly children with conditions like autism, without the necessary support and care.
The NCAOTASTE is tasked with developing and implementing strategies to enhance education and training in these specialized fields. By increasing the number of qualified professionals, Nigeria can improve access to essential healthcare services and improve the lives of individuals and families affected by related conditions.
The 500 million Naira in annual funding will be crucial in supporting these efforts, enabling the development of new training programs, upgrading existing facilities, and attracting talented individuals to these important healthcare professions.
” We have a huge population. We have universities that are offering courses in areas that do not give people life skills, and you have people that need the services that they can pay. Now, look at the teeming millions, hundreds of thousand million people that might need the services. To address this, the federal government has set up a committee to work with universities to develop a curricular and establish regulatory standards.
Continuing,Alausa said,” Eight universities are also expected to begin offering these programs. I’m happy today that the people in the nursing council, they’ve done so well. Nursing now is a very prestigious profession in this country, and as part of your work of this committee ,you have to sensitize the public. Occupational therapy, audiology , and speech therapy, these are prestigious professions where you get a job easily. The committee will collaborate with key agencies, including the National Investors Commission and Tedfund, to ensure quality and sustainability.
Responding ,Chairman of the committee,Dr. Victoria Amu assured of a collaborative and results -driven approach.Her words,” Strengthening education in occupational therapy, audiology , speech therapy will significantly enhance the quality of health care services in our country. It will improve early diagnosis and intervention. The federal government is urging stakeholders to support the initiative because it is a major step toward building a more inclusive health care system and strengthening human capital development in the country, “Amu Posited.
Meanwhile,the Director General,Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability (DEQA) in Edo State, Dr.Amen Ogbemudia has congratulated Amu on her emergence as chairman of the national committee.
According to the congratulatory message titled ‘Celebrating Excellence and Grace ‘, Ogbemudia said,” this prestigious appointment is a clear testament to your years of hard work, unwavering dedication, excellence, and deep commitment to the advancement of education and healthcare development in our nation. Your elevation to this noble position is a victory for all who have witnessed your consistent devotion to service and nation-building.
” I am particularly delighted because Edo State stands to benefit immensely from this remarkable appointment. This is indeed a huge blessing and a strategic opportunity for our state, especially for institutions such as Ambrose Alli University, Edo State University, Iyamho, and other higher institutions that will undoubtedly gain from your wealth of knowledge, visionary leadership, and professional expertise.
” I have no doubt that this appointment will open new doors for growth, academic development, professional training, and improved standards in these critical fields.May your tenure be marked by transformational achievements and lasting legacies that generations yet unborn will celebrate.Edo State celebrates with you. Nigeria celebrates you,” Ogbemudia stated.
Also, the management and staff of Edo Specialist Hospital has congratulated Dr.(Mrs.) Victoria Amu on her appointment as the Chairman, National Committee for the advancement of occupational therapy, audiology, and speech therapy education.
The Chief Medical Director, Edo Specialist Hospital, Dr.(Mrs.) Anthonia Inibokun Njoku, in a statement, celebrated and wished Dr.(Mrs.) Victoria Amu, success on this prestigious assignment.
