By Lawrence Joy

Health educators and experts have called on the National Universities Commission NUC to as a matter of national urgency review the accreditation curricula for health education in the universities.

The stakeholders made the call at the 2026 Nigerian Association of Health Educators (NAHE) Annual National Conference held at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on Thursday

Anchored on the theme, “Reimagining Health Education: Building Resilient Systems, Empowering Healthy Nations.” The conference focused on improving health education and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The conference was declared open by the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius-Michael Okolie, who was represented by the University’s Registrar, Mr. Ambrose Ugwu.

The Vice-Chancelor while appreciated the NAHE for finding the University worthy to host the conference, advised the practioners to enact policies and programme that would enhance awareness creation and sustained campaign against lack of health hygiene among the populace.

He also emphasised on the need for teachers and health educators to be professional and thorough while discharging their responsibilities.

In his keynote address, the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George O. Ugwu, stressed the need to reimagine health education in Nigeria. He stated that the health education curriculum should be reviewed, more experienced and knowledgeable health educators should be employed, and digital health literacy should be adopted to improve public access to health information. He also encouraged the use of digital tools to promote effective health messages.

Presenting the first lead paper, Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ES-PHCDA) stressed the importance of community health education in improving healthcare delivery. She said health education creates awareness and encourages people to make proper use of healthcare services. She also noted that ignorance and misinformation have caused many people to reject vaccination and other essential health services, emphasizing the need to strengthen health education at the community level.

In her opening address, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Prof Ngozi Ani thanked the university management for their support and appreciated the NAHE and delegates for attending the Conference.

The conference also featured the unveiling and launch of the 26th volume of the NAHE Journal. The journal was officially launched by the NAHE National President, Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja. During the launch, members and state chapters of the association, including Lagos, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Gombe, made financial donations in support of the publication.

Awards were also presented during the conference, with the NAHE National President, being conferred with the Fellowship Honour and the Award of Honour in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of health education in Nigeria

Dignitaries at the event included the NAHE National President, Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George O. Ugwu, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, and Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ES-PHCDA).

Also in attendance were traditional rulers, academics, health professionals, students, delegates from different states across Nigeria, and representatives of NAHE state chapters, including Lagos, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Gombe.