Nigeria Faces Acute Shortage of Occupational Therapists as Exodus Intensifies

Nigeria is grappling with a severe shortage of occupational therapists, as alarming reports indicate that approximately 80% of those trained in the country are leaving for better opportunities abroad. This mass exodus has dire implications for access to rehabilitation services for the country’s over 200 million citizens. During the recent combined convocation of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy (FSOT) in Lagos, Acting Registrar Mrs. Philomena Omoike highlighted the critical state of the profession, noting that only 93 new graduates were added to an already dwindling workforce.

According to Omoike, the shortage of occupational therapists is so profound that major health institutions are struggling to provide adequate therapy services. In the northern region of Nigeria, the situation is particularly dire, with fewer than five registered occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants available to serve the population. “The shortage is very severe. Nigeria is facing an acute shortage of occupational therapists,” Omoike stated, emphasizing the challenges faced by hospitals nationwide in maintaining adequate therapy services.

The statistics paint a grim picture: over the past 24 years, FSOT has trained around 900 occupational therapists, yet a staggering 80% have either emigrated or pursued further studies abroad. Currently, the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria lists only about 160 registered occupational therapists, and not all of them are actively practicing within the country. In psychiatric settings, for instance, there are merely five occupational therapy assistants and four occupational therapists available, severely limiting the support for patients in need.

This crisis not only affects healthcare delivery but also raises concerns about the future of rehabilitation services in Nigeria. As the country continues to face rising health challenges, the lack of qualified occupational therapists could hinder recovery and rehabilitation efforts for countless individuals. Stakeholders in the health sector must urgently address this issue to prevent further deterioration of occupational therapy services and ensure that citizens receive the care they desperately need.