In a landmark event for the development of professional elder care in Nigeria, the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), in collaboration with National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and Skills Nigeria Limited (SNL), formally presented Certificates of Competence to the first cohort of certified National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Geriatric Social Care Givers.
The presentation took place on Thursday, 28th August 2025, at the NSCC Headquarters in Abuja, where the Director General of NSCC, Hon. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, officially handed over the certificates to Engr. A.D.K. Mohammed, Lead Manager of Skills Nigeria Limited, for onward transmission to the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), the host of the NSQ accredited Geriatric Training Centre where the trainees were trained.
The forty (40) certified trainees represent a pioneering group — the first ever to be certified in Basic Geriatric Social Care under Nigeria’s National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). While NBTE officials were not physically present at the event, the Board’s role in regulating the qualifications remains vital to the integrity of the certification process.
“This moment marks a turning point in Nigeria’s care economy,” said Hon. Akinyemi-Obe. “For the first time, we are presenting government-recognized certificates to individuals who have been trained and assessed to deliver professional care to our senior citizens — a crucial step toward building a system of dignity, empathy, and skill.”
Breakdown of Certified Trainees:
* Level 1 – Full Qualification: 27
* Level 1 – Unit Qualification: 07
* Level 2 – Full Qualification: 06
* Total: 40 Certified Care Givers
These trainees completed a structured curriculum combining classroom learning, hands-on practical training, and competency-based assessments at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital’s NSQ Geriatric Training Centre. They were trained in core caregiving competencies including elderly nutrition, hygiene, mobility assistance, communication, and psychosocial support.
Engr. A.D.K. Mohammed, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the collaboration between NSCC and Skills Nigeria in actualizing the vision of building a skilled workforce to care for Nigeria’s ageing population. He emphasized the importance of replicating this model across the country.
The NSQ certification ensures that geriatric care givers meet national standards of quality and competence, supporting Nigeria’s broader strategy for active and healthy ageing.