University Of Ibadan Backs Clinical Dimension Of Speech Pathology And Audiology In Education

The University of Ibadan has expressed strong support for the integration of a clinical dimension in speech pathology and audiology within its educational framework.

Professor Juwon T. Arotiba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, made the remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, while receiving a delegation from the Speech Pathologists and Audiologists Association in Nigeria (SPAAN) at the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Arotiba highlighted that the University, despite its longstanding status as Nigeria’s premier university, remains committed to innovation in research and education. He encouraged the Faculty of Education and the Department of Special Education to prepare detailed proposals, supported by documents from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Committee of Chairs of Medical and Allied Sciences (CCMAS), to facilitate the establishment of a dedicated clinical unit for speech pathology and audiology therapy.

He also commended the Faculty of Education for hosting the SPAAN annual conference and wished the association success in its 2025 event.

During the visit, Professor Rufai Yusuf Ahmed, Registrar of SPAAN, praised the University of Ibadan for producing professionals who successfully combine clinical services and academic research in federal and state hospitals nationwide. He noted that UI serves as a hub supplying staff to various universities across Nigeria, particularly in the fields of speech pathology and audiology therapy. Professor Ahmed advocated for creating a standalone Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology Therapy, arguing that the trend in academia recognizes these as professional fields distinct from special education.

Professor Julius Ademokoya, Head of the Department of Special Education, led the visiting team and emphasized that UI is the only university in Nigeria producing audiologists and speech therapists. He underscored the importance of establishing a dedicated academic unit to focus on training these professionals, aligning with directives from the NUC and CCMAS. Professor Ademokoya also highlighted the theme of the SPAAN annual conference: “The Transformational Roles of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists in Emerging Healthcare Landscapes.”

The discussions highlighted the need to blend educational and clinical perspectives within the new department, ensuring that the University continues to produce highly skilled professionals in speech pathology and audiology therapy.