The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has embarked on the development of curricula for Higher National Diploma (HND) in environmental health technology (with a focus on pest and vector management) and National Diploma (ND) in family health care technology.
In collaboration with the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), NBTE initiated the development of curricula for various specialties within environmental health, including environmental health, public health, epidemiology and disease control, and water sanitation/hygiene (WASH).
During a pre-critique session, Prof. Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, highlighted the significance of these initiatives and the challenging task of bringing the health sector to the forefront of technical occupation education and development. He emphasized the need for standardization and regulation within the environmental health and family health care sectors to ensure expected value delivery.
Bugaje commended the collaboration between NBTE, EHCON, and the Family Health Care Technicians and Technologists Association, affirming the commitment to setting updated standards aligned with international best practices.
Dr. Hatim Koko, Director of Curriculum Development at NBTE, announced the imminent implementation of the family health care technology curriculum in various institutions. He outlined the development process and the need for a comprehensive curriculum that addresses current challenges and advancements in the field.
Dr. Yakubu Baba, Registrar of EHCON, stressed the multidisciplinary nature of environmental health and the importance of reflecting current challenges and advancements in educational programs. He emphasized the goal of creating comprehensive and innovative curricula that equip students with the necessary theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience.
Dr. Sunday Joseph, Registrar of the Family Health Care Technician and Technologists Association, emphasized the importance of incorporating recent research findings and global best practices into the curricula. He urged participants to engage in constructive discussions to shape the future of environmental health and family health care technology in Nigeria.
Overall, the collaborative efforts between NBTE, EHCON, and other stakeholders aim to produce competent professionals equipped to address complex environmental and family health care issues in Nigeria.
