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Community Health

Community Health

The Department of Community Health at NIHAZ is dedicated to training competent community health practitioners who can deliver essential healthcare services at the grassroots level.

Overview

The Department of Community Health is one of the pioneer departments at NIHAZ, established with the aim of strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system. This department is focused on developing skilled professionals who will serve as frontline healthcare providers in both rural and urban communities. With emphasis on disease prevention, health promotion, and community-based interventions, students are prepared to address common health challenges and contribute to improving public health outcomes.

Program Structure & Duration

The program follows the guidelines of the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN). Students undergo three years of structured training comprising classroom lectures, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical postings. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations in public health, primary healthcare, epidemiology, maternal and child health, and environmental health with hands-on experience in community health centers and hospitals.

Core Training Areas

  • Principles of Primary Healthcare and Community Medicine

  • Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health

  • Health Education and Promotion

  • Disease Prevention and Control

  • Emergency and First Aid Skills

  • Nutrition and Environmental Health

  • Research Methods and Community Project Work

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum of five (5) credits at not more than two sittings in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB including English Language, Mathematics, Biology/Health Science, Chemistry, and Physics.

  • Candidates may also be admitted with a recognized Certificate in Community Health or equivalent, as approved by CHPRBN.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program become licensed Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and can work in:

  • Primary Health Care (PHC) centers

  • General hospitals and clinics

  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) focused on health and development

  • Public health programs (immunization, maternal health, disease surveillance)

  • Community health research and education initiatives

This department continues to play a critical role in the improvement of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, particularly in underserved areas where professional health services are most needed.


2. Department of Health Information Management (HIM)

Overview

The Department of Health Information Management at NIHAZ is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge in health records management, medical coding, health data analysis, and information technology in healthcare delivery. The demand for reliable health data in Nigeria and globally is increasing, making Health Information Managers indispensable in both public and private health sectors.

Program Structure & Duration

The program runs for three years and blends classroom instruction, laboratory simulations, and hospital-based practical training. Students are trained to effectively manage health records, ensure confidentiality, and apply ICT in health information systems.

Core Training Areas

  • Principles of Health Records Management

  • Health Statistics and Data Analysis

  • Disease Classification and Medical Coding (ICD-10/11)

  • Health Informatics and ICT Application in Healthcare

  • Epidemiology and Health Research Methods

  • Health Information Law and Ethics

  • Database Management and Hospital Information Systems

Admission Requirements

  • A minimum of five (5) credits at not more than two sittings in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB including English Language, Mathematics, Biology/Health Science, Chemistry, and Physics.

  • Direct entry applicants with a recognized certificate in Health Records or Medical Records may be considered.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are positioned to work as:

  • Health Information Officers in hospitals and clinics

  • Records and Statistics Officers in government health ministries and agencies

  • Data Managers for NGOs and international health projects

  • Research Assistants in public health institutions

  • IT specialists in hospital management information systems

Through this department, NIHAZ contributes to producing professionals who guarantee accurate, reliable, and secure health data for better healthcare planning and policy-making.


3. Department of Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

Overview

The Department of Medical Laboratory Technician prepares students to perform essential laboratory investigations that support disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The department emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills to ensure graduates can deliver quality diagnostic services across healthcare institutions.

Program Structure & Duration

The Medical Laboratory Technician program runs for three years, integrating classroom teaching, laboratory practice, and clinical postings. Training is supervised under the standards set by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

Core Training Areas

  • Hematology and Blood Grouping

  • Microbiology and Parasitology

  • Clinical Chemistry and Chemical Pathology

  • Histopathology and Cytology Techniques

  • Immunology and Serology

  • Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance

  • Biosafety and Infection Control

Admission Requirements

  • At least five (5) credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB at not more than two sittings, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

  • Candidates with a certificate in Science Laboratory Technology or related fields may be considered.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are trained to work in:

  • Hospital diagnostic laboratories

  • Private medical laboratories

  • Research institutes and public health laboratories

  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies

  • National disease surveillance and diagnostic programs

This department ensures that NIHAZ graduates contribute to accurate laboratory diagnosis and improved patient care, thereby strengthening the overall healthcare system.


4. Department of Pharmacy Technician (PT)

Overview

The Department of Pharmacy Technician provides students with essential training to support pharmacists in the delivery of safe and effective pharmaceutical care. The department emphasizes drug dispensing, stock management, compounding, and patient counseling. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in extending access to essential medicines and ensuring rational drug use in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Program Structure & Duration

The program spans three years, combining academic coursework, laboratory practicals, and supervised clinical practice in hospital and community pharmacies.

Core Training Areas

  • Fundamentals of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics

  • Pharmaceutical Compounding and Dispensing

  • Drug Storage, Inventory, and Supply Chain Management

  • Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

  • Pharmacovigilance and Patient Counseling

  • Basic Clinical Pharmacy and Hospital Practice

Admission Requirements

  • Five (5) credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

  • Candidates with prior training in related health programs may be considered for direct entry.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are qualified to work as licensed Pharmacy Technicians in:

  • Hospitals and health centers

  • Community pharmacies and retail outlets

  • Pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturing industries

  • Non-governmental organizations involved in drug distribution and health supply chains

  • Research institutions and academic settings

The department plays a critical role in building competent pharmacy support staff who enhance pharmaceutical service delivery and promote safe medication practices across healthcare facilities.

What You'll Learn From This Department

This department equips you with essential skills and knowledge in community health. You'll learn to navigate industry challenges, develop practical solutions, and enhance your professional capabilities.

  • Comprehensive theoretical foundation
  • Practical hands-on experience
  • Industry-relevant skills development
  • Professional networking opportunities

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Department Head

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