NBTE moves to strengthen health education with new HND curriculum

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has intensified efforts to strengthen health education with the development of a new Higher National Diploma (HND) curriculum in Health Education and Promotion.

Speaking at the national curriculum pre-critique workshop on Monday in Kaduna, the Director of Curriculum Development at the board, Dr O.O. Bello, described the initiative as crucial to advancing health education and reinforcing Nigeria’s healthcare system through quality technical training.

Bello said the board was already working on its tenth curriculum this year, underscoring its determination to align programmes with international best practices and produce globally competitive graduates.

He said that emerging diseases, rising non-communicable conditions and rapid technological innovations demanded industry-relevant curricula that equip students with practical and employable skills.

According to him, the curriculum serves as the blueprint shaping the competencies of Health Education and Promotion Officers for effective service delivery across all tiers of healthcare.

He explained that efforts were underway to harmonise National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula, integrate digital health technologies and simulation-based learning, and ensure alignment with professional standards for practice.

Bello assured the participants of the board’s full technical backing, urging them to contribute their expertise toward building a robust and forward-looking curriculum for the profession.

He commended the board’s Executive Secretary, who was recently recognised among the world’s most impactful education personalities, for championing reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

The President of the National Association of Health Educators (NAHE), Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, applauded the board’s continued partnership and responsiveness to professional needs.

Adaramaja, represented by Associate Prof. Nurudeen Akorede, said the association remains committed to collaborating with the Board to guarantee seamless academic progression for diploma holders and strengthen career pathways in health education.

Declaring the workshop open, Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, appreciated the association’s collaboration following the successful programme rollout.

Bugaje, however, lamented funding constraints affecting curriculum development and stressed that skills remained dynamic and constantly evolving.