“News on HND, B.Sc holders in Community Health obtaining CHPRBN license to practice is misleading, fake” – SCHTSN alerts public

The Society of Community Health Technologists and Scientists of Nigeria (SCHTSN) has described the ongoing advertisement promoting a “top-up program” purportedly designed to enable holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees in Community Health to obtain the CHPRBN license to practice,
being circulated by a group called “Community Health Institute,” allegedly in collaboration with the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) as misleading and unrecognized.

In a statement jointly signed by the Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr Yusuf Yakubu Arigbassiyu; BOT Secretary Ephraim Audu Anja and BOT Member Dr David Olusegun Awoleye on Tuesday, the Society of Community Health Technologists and Scientists of Nigeria, as the umbrella body for holders of ND, HND, B.Sc., Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Community Health, described the purported top-up programme as misleading and unrecognize.

Read the full statement below 👇

“The attention of the Society of Community Health Technologists and Scientists of Nigeria (SCHTSN) has been drawn to a misleading advertisement being circulated by a group calling itself the “Community Health Institute,” allegedly in collaboration with the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN). The advertisement promotes a “top-up program” purportedly designed to enable holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees in Community Health to obtain the CHPRBN license to practice.

“We categorically state that the Society of Community Health Technologists and Scientists of Nigeria, as the umbrella body for holders of ND, HND, B.Sc., Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Community Health, does not recognize this program. We strongly advise all holders of these qualifications to refrain from participating in this fraudulent and revenue-driven initiative.

“The Society will not tolerate attempts by an unqualified and outdated body, whose certificate has been rendered obsolete by the circular from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, to undermine the competence and professionalism of our members. We urge such individuals and groups to pursue proper accreditation by enrolling in recognized institutions to obtain the requisite qualifications, including HND, B.Sc., Master’s, or Ph.D. degrees in Community Health. Pretending to offer relevance without these qualifications is futile and unproductive.

“The general public is hereby reminded that the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) and the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHPN) have previously challenged the legitimacy of our programs in court. Twice, they attempted to stop the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs in Community Health offered by the Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology and regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). On both occasions, the courts ruled in favor of the programs, which have since produced thousands of qualified Community Health Technologists and Scientists across Nigeria.

“Furthermore, the CHPRBN and ACHPN also sought to challenge the existence of our Society in court, but once again, the ruling was in our favor.

“We, therefore, call on all members of the Society to disregard the fake advertisement and invest their resources in more meaningful and legitimate endeavors.

“Finally, we encourage holders of JCHEW, CHEW, and CHO certificates to ignore the propaganda of their association and board. Instead, they should focus on advancing their education by obtaining ND, HND, or B.Sc. degrees in Community Health, as their current certificates are no longer relevant in Nigeria or globally.

Signed:

DR. YUSUF YAKUBU ARIGASSIYU
Chairman, BOT

EPHRAIM AUDU ANJA
Secretary, BOT

DR. DAVID OLUSEGUN AWOLEYE
Member, BOT