The Federal Government has inaugurated the national committee for the advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Therapy Education(NCAOTASTE) with a commitment of ₦500million in annual funding.
The Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of Dr. Victoria Amu – led national committee stated that the move is aimed at closing critical gaps in specialized healthcare training in the country.
According to him,”with Nigeria’s population exceeding 220 million, the demand for specialized health care services continue to rise. The country currently lacks adequate training programs in Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Therapy leaving many, especially children with autism, without needed support.
“We have a huge population. We have universities that are offering courses in areas that does 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. And 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 the work of this committee, you have to sensitize the public.
“Occupational Therapy, Audiology, Speech Therapy, these are prestigious professions where you get 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, Edo born 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 (DG), 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, Ekpoma; 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.”
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