FIC Report (Edo State) – In a groundbreaking development for elder care in Nigeria, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has been recognized as the nation’s first accredited center for Geriatric Social Care Training. This milestone was announced by Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), during her visit to the hospital on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025.
Dr. Omokaro stated that UBTH has earned the prestigious NSCC-NBTE/UNESCO Centre of Excellence accreditation, making it the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) training provider specifically for Geriatric Social Care. This accreditation is a significant advancement in the field, designed to enhance the quality of care provided to Nigeria’s aging population.
During her visit to the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, Dr. Omokaro emphasized that the recognition is not merely symbolic; it comes at a crucial time as the National Assembly is reviewing a bill aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for the country’s geriatric care sector.
“The regulations will provide a legislative foundation and compel compliance with a national framework and standards for Geriatric Social Care,” Dr. Omokaro explained. “This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the National Senior Citizens Centre and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to create structured, standardized training and care practices in Nigeria.”
According to Dr. Omokaro, the formalization of the geriatric social care system is a major leap forward, as it integrates into the Federal Government Public Service work scheme, ensuring that care for older citizens is approached with professionalism and dedication.
Prof. Darlington Obaseki praised the NSCC’s intervention and collaboration with the NBTE to bring this important aspect of healthcare into the limelight. He underscored the need for hospitals to focus on the elderly population, stating, “Geriatric Social Care goes beyond clinical services. It requires deliberate care and specialized facilities for older persons.”
The accreditation process at UBTH was facilitated by its efforts to train and certify Quality Assurance Assessors (QAA) in geriatric care, positioning itself as a leader in this critical area of healthcare. The training center, located within the UBTH’s Institute of Health Sciences and Technology (IHT), is now expected to provide high-quality education and training, equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to meet the demands of an aging populace.
As Nigeria navigates the complexities associated with an increasing demographic of older adults, the establishment of UBTH as the first accredited center for Geriatric Social Care Training marks a crucial development in enhancing the framework for elderly care in the country. This initiative is anticipated to inspire other health institutions nationwide to prioritize geriatric training, ultimately leading to improved care for Nigeria’s senior citizens.
Signed:
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
FIC, Benin.
19th March, 2025
