Nigerian OT

My Experience of Studying at Manipal University in India in Preparation
for Returning to Nigeria.
Reflecting back to how I joined the Occupational Therapy (OT) program and how far this profession has taken me stimulated a mixed feeling.
I am one of the pioneering cohorts of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy (FSOT), Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria, in 2002. I came to know about OT through my father, who is a psychiatric nurse. It was a memorable day! I can recollect vividly how he showed me the advertisement for enrolment into the Federal School of Occupational Therapy (FSOT). He said "in this course, you will be taught many arts and craft work, such as tailoring and basket weaving". With a surprised look, I responded that I wanted to go to school to study, not to learn handwork. I took my complaints to my older friends who were then University students. I was advised to give it a shot, at least, "to be engaged in something", and at the same time, apply to other schools for my desired course. Although I did not have a science background in secondary school (commercial student), within the first month of entry into the program, I was convinced that I was in the right direction.
Thinking back now, I have come to the conclusion that the easy, though very challenging transition to a science program was mainly because I had many doubts in my mind, and really wanted answers to them. I had doubts as to what does OT have to do with arts and crafts? Why would there be credit requirement to enrol for such a program. Well, it became clear to me when the history and the core concepts of OT were taught and well ingrained into us by our very enthusiastic principal, Ms Toyin Otolorin. I can recall her saying, "occupation is what everyone engages in from cradle to death bed" and all these occupations are very vital to life, once an individual loses the ability to carry out these occupations by herself, then, life can become meaningless, this is where we come in, making people independent. I thought that was the most beautiful concept and concern for a profession, and today I am proud to be an Occupational Therapist.
Within a month, we all had to chorus the definition of OT like kindergarten kids, and also define OT in our own terms justifying every choice of words used. It was a really good and very stimulating beginning. I was prepared to give what it would take to acquire knowledge in OT.
The first major challenge came when the school (FSOT) could not upgrade the OT program to a higher degree. A total of almost four years was lost in the process of seeking admission for further studies. I would like to highlight at this juncture that those years were invested into getting me grounded in sciences by enrolling for tutorials and taking examinations in science subjects to be a full fledge science student for a whole year. Following which I got employment in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The twenty nine months I spent practicing as an OT technician really made a big difference and gave me yet another perspective of how much I needed further studies. The practice affirms that OT gets results. I learnt a lot through trial and error, clinical reasoning and lots of reading. I got very remarkable improvement in all clients I had managed, but, I had yet new doubts in my mind. This drive kept me on to seek more knowledge, which I couldn't figure out by self study. I had doubts regarding how particular methods or techniques made a difference in a patient. I was lagging far behind in the theory behind my practice. I needed a guide. I needed an experienced Therapist to challenge me. I believed there was much more to OT than what I do or see my colleagues do, though we get remarkable responses.

Finally, the opportunity came, though within a short notice. I became aware of Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India, precisely on the 18th of June, 2009, and was expected to finish all processing and resume to school by August 1st, 2009. It was a great ordeal for my family and me. Some critical decisions had to be made, such as related to my job. I decided to resign and I was able to join Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences (MCOAHS) on September 1st. It was a dream come true, however, I met with what I could never have imagined.
I got the first shock when I realized how much academic work I had missed within a month. As a lateral entry student, there was no such time for getting adjusted to the environment, I just had to adapt to the food, the physical environment, the academic system, the language, my Indian classmates and the culture in general, all at the same time.
Having left studying for a while, it was a bit challenging to catch up with the fresh brains in my class. However, it didn't take much time for me to realize that no excuse is good enough for failure.The most beautiful thing is, the environment in Manipal University (MU) is perfectly prepared for learning. I have never seen a library as big and equipped as that in MU. I felt like carting all the OT books in the shelf to Nigeria. I had access to books for any reference given in class. The method of teaching is superb. The memory of my foundational training years came back alive, facilitated by the environment. I had enormous exposure to cases, regardless of limitation in communication. By this limitation, I came to realize the importance of other non-verbal communication methods. It was an amazing experience. It was opportune to see and handle several standardized tools and equipment for assessment and treatment. I also had an amazing exposure to hand splinting, and was motivated to enrol for the certificate course in hand splinting post graduation.
I would like to highlight my appreciation for the concept of periodical feedback sessions (class in-charge/students; subject teachers/students; clinical in-charge/students) exercised in the OT department. It really helped me to understand the culture of the department.
It was not just a "bed of roses" experience all through my study in India, but I choose to see from the stand point of; did I achieve what I came here for? To this, I say, YES, and much more, and I am just looking forward to applying these knowledge and experiences in my country, Nigeria.

OLOSUNDE OLUWATOYIN SEUN
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Nigerian

I am proud that I have completed my graduation in Medical Imaging from Manipal University, which has directed me to be the part of a leading profession in imaging software. So fellow BMITians, you can be a part of this team too. There are many, in fact plenty of opportunities for you out there.
Damien Marwin
Implementer – Imaging, 21st century health managements and Solutions, Mumbai


I completed my BSc Medical Imaging Technology from Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences. I feel it’s the best course I could have taken up among all the other allied health courses. The graduates are in great demand both in India & abroad.
Chalet Khambatta
Application Specialist, Wipro GE Healthcare, Bangalore


Medical Imaging has changed my life, I am prouder to be known as a graduate from Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences. Best of luck to all those who have chosen this field. It is one of the courses in great demand in the present scenario
Vikas Ranjan
Scientific Assistant, TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai


Medical Imaging is an upcoming course which has lots of Opportunities. I really enjoyed the student friendly environment that Manipal has. I feel great to be a part of such a world class institute. I appreciate the state of art technology and facilities provided by the department for teaching & learning practice
A Kamath C
Teaching Assistant, Symbiosis Institute of Health Science, Pune


Come to manipal and find all that you heard is true about it
Barty Vinod


It is a great place to start with…..
Ajaykumar Hooli


I feel happy to be a part of Manipal, ‘A land of education’.
Suresh S


I feel its one of the best course offered by College Of Allied Health Sciences. This is an ideal programme for those who are interested in both personal interaction and a "high-tech" career in health sciences.....
Nilna Narayanan