Developing Curriculum for the Training of Non-Specialist in Addiction Studies in Nigerian Universities: The Journey of Nigerian ICUDDR Team

BACKGROUND: This article describes the need to develop a workforce to address the public health burden of drug use in Nigeria. Central to workforce development is the development and implementation of a substance use curriculum. AIMS: The authors present a review of the proposed curriculum for a multi-professional course in addiction currently being developed in four Nigerian universities. It also highlights the opportunities, partnerships formed, and lessons learned in the review process. METHODS: This case study is based on the results of research that included a desk review of multi-professional addiction studies course development in the education system. In addition, the study team reviewed the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) and Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC). In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with Nigerian stakeholders in the addiction treatment field. PARTICIPANTS: Key stakeholders in the addictology field in Nigeria. RESULTS: This joint exercise raised awareness about the need to contextualize Western inputs into local realities and establish a theory-driven process for identifying barriers and opportunities that might arise in developing a Nigerian addiction studies curriculum. The study also provided an overview of the relationships and collaborative work amongst partnering institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Through this activity, the study team proposes a blueprint curriculum for addiction studies in the Nigerian higher education system. The proposed curriculum was developed through evidence-based interdisciplinary efforts that involved the International Consortium of Universities in Drug Demand Reduction in accordance with the Bologna Declaration.