The Occupational Therapists Association of Nigeria (OTAN) has called on the government to invest in rehabilitation services, professional development, and workforce expansion. This appeal was made during the association's maiden Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting, themed "Sustainable Nation, Functional Individual: Leveraging Occupational Therapy for Functional Restoration of Individuals in Developing Countries." The conference aimed to address issues affecting the profession and provide a platform for members to exchange ideas.
According to OTAN National President, Oluwasegun Ayeni, the conference marked a significant milestone, being the first gathering of its kind in over two decades since the association's establishment. Ayeni highlighted that the event brought together members from clinical, academic, and private practice settings to share experiences and address challenges facing the profession. He also noted that the conference provided an opportunity for members to discuss ways to improve the visibility and recognition of occupational therapy in Nigeria.
Ayeni identified longstanding misconceptions about occupational therapy as a barrier to its growth and recognition. He stated that the perception of the discipline as subordinate to physiotherapy has hindered its institutional growth. However, he expressed optimism about the recent intervention of the National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Speech Therapy Education, established by the Federal Ministry of Education in March 2026.
The intervention by the National Committee has led to a significant increase in the number of universities offering occupational therapy programs. Ayeni disclosed that the number of universities offering these programs has risen from two to over 10 within seven months. This expansion is expected to increase the availability of trained occupational therapists in Nigeria, addressing the growing demand for rehabilitation services.
Despite this progress, Ayeni emphasized the need for improved working conditions, competitive remuneration, and expanded training opportunities to prevent trained therapists from migrating abroad. He stressed that a sustainable economy must be inclusive, enabling every citizen to participate in everyday activities, regardless of disability or functional limitation. Ayeni urged practitioners to strengthen their professional identity and promote institutional collaboration.
Ayeni also announced the establishment of the Occupational Therapy Students Association of Nigeria, aimed at strengthening the future of the profession. The students' wing will hold its first national convention during the conference, where its constitution will be adopted, and new executives inaugurated. This move is expected to ensure a seamless transition from studentship to professional practice after induction.
The OTAN president emphasized the need for deliberate workforce retention strategies to address the brain drain syndrome affecting the profession. He urged the government to prioritize the development of rehabilitation services, citing the growing demand for these services in Nigeria. The association's call for policy action is expected to contribute to the development of a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system in Nigeria.
Key points
- OTAN urges government to invest in rehabilitation services and workforce expansion amid growing demand.
- The number of universities offering occupational therapy programs has risen from two to over 10 within seven months.
- OTAN emphasizes the need for improved working conditions and competitive remuneration to prevent trained therapists from migrating abroad.
