By Esther Onyegbula

The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba and CEO of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy, Dr. Olugbenga  Owoeye, has called on the federal government to urgently address gaps in the nation’s education system, particularly, the issue of out-of-school children.

 Speaking at the 18th/19th convocation ceremonies of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy in Lagos, Owoeye stressed the importance of closing the educational gap between the northern and southern regions of the country.

“Government has a lot to do to make sure that children go to school in Nigeria, especially in the northern part of the country,” Owoeye stated.

“While the southern regions are better equipped and have a higher enrollment rate, the North is plagued by a significant number of children who remain out of school.”

 Owoeye highlighted the stark disparity, attributing it to socio-economic factors, cultural barriers, and insecurity. “The educational gap between the northern and southern regions is a persistent challenge facing Nigeria. Millions of children in the North are missing out on formal education,” he said. “There is a critical need for a targeted approach by the government to sponsor and support education in these underprivileged areas.”

In addition to advocacy for educational reform, the convocation ceremony also showcased the achievements of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy, which has become instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria.

The Acting Registrar Mrs Philomena Omoike provided insights into the school’s rigorous three-year programme, aimed at producing highly skilled occupational therapists.

“This is a three-year programme,” Omoike explained. “We have two years of intensive academic coursework, followed by a one-year clinical placement in various specialist areas. At the end of it all, students are awarded a professional diploma in occupational therapy.”

The curriculum, as Omoike detailed, is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and substantial practical experience. “Within the two years of coursework, they still go to clinical areas to gain practical experience.

 “After two years, they go for pure clinical placement in various institutions, including the Child and Adolescent Center, the psychiatric unit of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, and the orthopaedic hospital. We even go as far as Modupe Cove to ensure they get this experience.”

Students are required to complete 1,000 hours of clinical placement within the one year before graduation, a demanding requirement that Omoike emphasized ensures they are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent professionals.

Omoike also highlighted the school’s support system for students who struggle academically. “When we see a student that is not so sound because it’s an intensive programme, we encourage them,” she said. “We ensure that we give them extra lectures, we create extra time, and these lecturers put them through. Over time, the students have been coming out better.”

Echoing the theme of continuous growth, the Chief Occupational Therapist at Vifern Rehabilitation Center, Ogundele Victor Oluwadamilare, urged the graduates to “grow before they live.” He encouraged them to embrace innovation and take on challenges. “Be innovative, do not be afraid of new challenges. Never shy away from responsibility,” Ogundele advised.

“Find new ways to solve old problems—that is the bedrock of occupational therapy.”

As the convocation drew to a close, the speeches from Dr. Oluwole, Mrs. Omoike, and Ogundele converged on a shared message: the importance of continuous learning, dedication, and societal responsibility. Their words served as a powerful reminder to the graduates of the challenges ahead, both in their careers and in contributing to the nation’s development.