The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has urged Nigerian universities to introduce specialised degree programmes in audiology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, clinical psychology and medical social work to address shortages of skilled professionals in healthcare and social services.
Alausa made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, October 18, through his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah.
The minister said expanding academic programmes in the specialised fields would help bridge critical manpower gaps while creating more employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
He encouraged university vice-chancellors to collaborate with Dr Victoria Amu, chairperson of the Ministerial Committee for the Advancement of Audiology, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy, to facilitate the establishment of the proposed programmes.
According to the minister, strengthening professional training in these areas would improve access to specialised services and equip graduates with skills needed to meet the country’s growing healthcare and social support needs.
FG Plans Autism Centres Across Six Geopolitical Zones
Alausa also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to establishing autism centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
He said the proposed centres would improve access to diagnosis, therapeutic services and research for persons on the autism spectrum, while providing support for their families.
The centres are also expected to serve as hubs for collaboration among families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions.
The minister called on universities to work with relevant regulatory agencies and professional bodies to ensure that the proposed programmes meet established academic and professional standards.
He added that the initiatives formed part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to address manpower shortages, improve service delivery and align higher education with the country’s development priorities.
Alausa said the government would continue to pursue reforms aimed at expanding access to relevant education and promoting skills development in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
