UNIMED Vice-Chancellor Appointed to National Committee for Allied Health Education Advancement
Prof. Ebunoluwa Aderonke Adejuyigbe, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) in Ondo State, has been appointed as a member of the newly formed National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Therapy Education (NCAOTASE). This significant appointment underscores UNIMED's pivotal role in specialised healthcare training across Nigeria, reflecting recognition of Adejuyigbe's leadership and expertise in medical education.
Committee Formation and Objectives
The NCAOTASE committee was established to address critical gaps in allied health education throughout Nigeria, with a focus on improving training, accreditation, and professional standards in occupational therapy, audiology, and speech therapy. Chaired by Dr Victoria Amu, the committee brings together key stakeholders from academia, government, and the health sector to adopt a multi-institutional and interdisciplinary approach to reform.
In a statement, Prof. Adejuyigbe emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "This appointment highlights the leading role of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, in medical and health sciences education. As Nigeria's first specialised medical science university, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to enhance not only mainstream medical education but also to develop allied health education in the country."
Strategic Focus and Collaborative Efforts
The committee is tasked with developing strategies and frameworks to elevate training, accreditation, and professional standards for these specialised fields nationwide. Adejuyigbe further noted, "The creation of NCAOTASE represents a coordinated effort to improve these vital, yet often underfunded, areas of healthcare delivery, ensuring they meet international benchmarks and address local needs effectively."
Committee Membership and Secretariat
The NCAOTASE committee includes distinguished members such as:
- Mr Gabriel Aborele from the National Universities Commission (NUC)
- Dr Hadiza Ismail from TETFund
- Dr David Atuwo (SSA)
- Dr Isa Nurudeen, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Kano
- Dr Paul Agboola, Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro, Abeokuta
- Prof. John Emaimo, Vice-Chancellor of FUAHSE in Enugu
- Prof. Julius Ademokoya from the University of Ibadan
- Dr Femi Unufegan, Provost of Michael Imoudu College of Education in Edo State
- Mr Ayeni Oluwasegun, an Occupational Therapist at UNIMED, Ondo
TETFund will serve as the committee's secretariat, providing administrative support to facilitate its operations and initiatives aimed at transforming allied health education in Nigeria.
