Historical Overview and Progress
Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (NAPO) Historical Overview and Progress
Establishment and Early Years
The Nigeria Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (NAPO) was founded in the early 1990s by pioneering Nigerian Prosthetist and Orthotist professionals trained overseas. Founding members include:
– Alhaja Sule Maru (Kano)
– Late Elder E.O. Somolu
– Elder Shobowale
– Mr. Sosanya
– Mr. S.A. Opatade
– Mrs. J.B. Aluko
Milestones and Achievements
– Development of Formal Blueprint: NAPO contributed to establishing a formal blueprint for including Prosthetists and Orthotists in the Nigerian civil service scheme. Key figures include Mr. Oluwole A. Oke and Mr. Mmomelu C. Solomon.
– Restructuring and Revitalization: In 2018, NAPO underwent significant restructuring, establishing Patrons, a Board of Trustees, and a new Executive Council, headed Mr. Olaniyi B. Oladosu which aimed at enhancing the role and purpose of NAPO until his passing in November 2020..
Membership and Objectives
– Membership: NAPO represents all cadres of P&O professionals in Nigeria, including graduates with ND, HND, B.Tech, B.PO, and postgraduate qualifications.
– Objectives: NAPO aims to advance the Prosthetics and Orthotics profession in Nigeria, positioning it on the same pedestal as other medical rehabilitation fields regulated by the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTBN).
– Accreditation and Partnerships: NAPO supported the MRTBN in the partial accreditation of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Prosthetics and Orthotics B.Tech program by specially co-opting Mr. Oladokun into the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTBN) accreditation team as a Prosthetics and Orthotics expert.
The inspection was led by then-MRTBN Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) T.O. Akanle, and supervised by Prof. S.B. Akinbo (Deputy Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos). This lead to partial accreditation of FUTO by MRTBN.
The association also collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) P&O Project Manager, Madam Idah Kadyamatimba, to organize a three day national P&O stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
Attendees included:
* Dr. (Mrs.) T.O. Akanle (MRTBN Registrar)
* Mr. Adebayo Ojelabi (NAPO Acting President)
* Mr. Kingsley Owunkamuche (NPOOTs President)
* Dr. Ugoji (P&O
* Mr. Solomon Mmomelu (Chief P&O)
* Mr. Peter Aluko (P&O)
* Mr. Francis(P&O
* Mr. Adeyeye I.O. (P&O)
Mr. Isa Sulaiman (P&o Dala Kano)
* Mr. Muhammad Dodo (P&O, TATCOT)
* Miss Magdalene (P&O, TATCOT)
* Mr. Dalori (P&O, TATCOT)
* Mr. A.A. Akinniyi (P&O FECOT)
* The late Mr. Akoji
* Mr. Nafiu (ICRC Legal Personnel)
* Madam Idah Kadyamatimba (ICRC P&O Project Manager)
Key institutions represented included Rehabilitation Centres, University Teaching Hospital Maiduguri, NOH Dala Kano, NOH Enugu, NOH Igbobi-Lagos, FUTO Owerri, FECOT Igbobi-Lagos, NAPO, and NPOOTs.
NAPO proudly represents all cadres of P&O professionals in Nigeria. Its membership includes graduates with ND, HND, B.Tech, B.PO, and postgraduate qualifications from both Nigerian and foreign institutions. The association continues to pursue avenues to uplift and support both practicing professionals and training institutions nationwide.
– Master’s Program: NAPO supported the recommencement of the Master’s program in Rehabilitation for Persons with Special Needs at the University of Ibadan in 2021, through the efforts of Prof. Fakolade and the dedication of the NAPO Executives and members. This milestone now benefits Prosthetists and Orthotists, Occupational Therapists, and other allied health professionals.