The Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) has officially launched the Community Health Institute (CHI), a groundbreaking Federal Government initiative designed to strengthen Nigeria’s community healthcare system through quality education, training, and research.
Established under the Community Health Practitioners Act CAP C.19, LFN, 2004, CHI represents a strategic response to Nigeria’s critical need for skilled community health practitioners who can deliver essential healthcare services to communities across the nation.
Addressing Educational Access Challenges
The establishment of CHI comes at a crucial time when access to tertiary education in Nigeria remains challenging. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, only 26% of applicants gained admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions between 2010 and 2015 – approximately one in every four candidates.
“The creation of Community Health Institute is not just about adding another institution to Nigeria’s educational landscape,” explained Dr. Bashir Idris, Registrar/CEO of CHPRBN. “It’s about strategically addressing two critical national needs: expanding access to quality higher education and producing the skilled community health workforce Nigeria desperately needs.”
Comprehensive Programme Offerings
CHI launches with an impressive array of programmes designed to meet diverse professional development needs in community health practice:
- Nine Postgraduate Diploma Specialties including Community Mental Health, Maternal and Newborn Health, Epidemiology and Disease Control, and Disaster Management
- Refresher Programmes for professional examination preparation
- Fellowship Programmes for advanced practitioners
- Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) courses
- Short Certificate Courses in specialized areas
- Consultancy and Research Services for healthcare institutions
Modern, Practical-Oriented Approach
What sets CHI apart is its emphasis on practical-oriented learning, skill acquisition, and self-employability. All students undergo compulsory training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship, ensuring graduates are not only professionally competent but also capable of innovation and self-reliance.
“We’re not just training community health practitioners; we’re producing healthcare leaders who can think critically, innovate, and adapt to Nigeria’s evolving health challenges,” noted Dr. Risikat M. Onawola, Director of CHI.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Located in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, CHI benefits from its proximity to federal health institutions, international organizations, and quality infrastructure. The Institute features modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, clinical facilities, and comprehensive student welfare amenities including health services, accommodation, sports, and recreational facilities.
Merit-Based Excellence
CHI operates on a strict merit-based admission and recruitment policy, ensuring fairness and transparency. The Institute has assembled a management team of experienced community health professionals led by Dr. Risikat M. Onawola as Director, supported by Deputy Directors across Academic Planning, Research & Development, Hospital Services, Finance, and Administration.
Research and Community Engagement
Beyond training, CHI emphasizes multidisciplinary research and community engagement. The Institute provides consultancy services, conducts health screenings, operates immunization clinics, and delivers health education programmes that directly impact communities.
Federal Government Commitment
As a Federal Government initiative backed by CHPRBN, CHI enjoys sustained funding and institutional support, ensuring its sustainability and continuous development. Additional revenue generation through consultancy services, research grants, and partnerships further strengthens the Institute’s financial base.
Looking Ahead
With admissions opening for the 2024/2025 academic session, CHI invites prospective students to join this transformative journey in community health education. The Institute accepts applications from holders of relevant degrees in health sciences who are passionate about making a difference in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“This is more than an educational institution; it’s a movement to transform community healthcare in Nigeria,” Dr. Idris emphasized. “We invite all stakeholders – students, health professionals, communities, and partners – to join us in building a healthier Nigeria, one community at a time.”
About CHI
Community Health Institute is a Federal Government initiative created by the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) to provide quality manpower for Nigeria’s community healthcare system through training, education, and research.
For more information:
Visit: www.chi.edu.ng
Email: info@chi.edu.ng
Phone: 0805 351 3944 | 0802 056 1233
Location: Plot 379 EFAB Estate Road, Life Camp, Jabi District, Abuja
