The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has announced the Certificate Award Ceremony for the pioneering class of Basic Geriatric Social Caregivers (NSQF Level 1) and Geriatric Social Care Attendants (NSQF Level 2) — marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward dignified ageing and professionalized caregiving.
I’m truly delighted to share this official invitation from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for the Certificate Award Ceremony of the pioneering class of Basic Geriatric Social Caregivers (NSQF Level 1) and Geriatric Social Care Attendants (NSQF Level 2) — a vision that began during my tenure as Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), in collaboration with UBTH and other strategic partners.
This groundbreaking achievement stems from an innovative initiative of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), conceptualized and developed under the leadership of Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Pioneer Director-General, NSCC.
The initiative was meticulously designed from scratch — beginning with the development of the National Plan of Action and Strategic Roadmap on Ageing, with development of the Geriatric Social Care Quality Assurance System as pillar program; the design of National Occupational Standards( NOS), accreditation, and certification frameworks under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
The process also featured stakeholder mapping, quality assurance assessor training, and innovative mobilization of University Teaching Hospitals with geriatrics units, effectively fast-tracking implementation despite bureaucratic bottlenecks.
With expressed gratitude to God, thanks to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA-DISD) for technical support, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)/Skills Nigeria Limited (SNL) for partnership, and the Chief Medical Directors of Teaching Hospitals for their collaboration.
This milestone confirms Nigeria’s readiness to professionalize care for older persons through standardized training and certification, a vision stakeholders worked tirelessly to bring to life.
With this certification, Nigeria takes a decisive step forward in establishing quality, compassion, and professionalism as hallmarks of geriatric care.
The International Federation on Ageing
Dave Omokaro Foundation – DOF
International Institute on Ageing, United Nations – Malta – INIA
United Nations DESA Division for Inclusive Social Development – DISD
UN Women