Firm Expands Prosthetics Training To Build Africa’s Next Generation Of Specialists

IfeanHealth has expanded its prosthetics and orthotics training initiative to develop the next generation of rehabilitation specialists across Africa, bringing together healthcare stakeholders and selected beneficiaries of its scholarship programme ahead of their internship placements in Lagos and Enugu.

The company said the Scholars Programme is designed to bridge academic learning with real-world clinical practice, reflecting its growing commitment to building globally competitive prosthetics and orthotics professionals capable of strengthening rehabilitation services across the continent.

The event, which focused on cross-regional clinical exposure and hands-on professional training, brought together directors, healthcare leaders, stakeholders and the newly selected scholars in an atmosphere centred on mentorship, professional development and continental collaboration.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of IfeanHealth, Ejike Anih, said the scholarship and scholar programme was inspired by his personal and professional experiences as an alumnus of the Management Development Program (MDP) at Abbott, an American multinational medical devices and healthcare company.

Anih said the initiative extends beyond national development, serving as a strategic platform for advancing prosthetics and orthotics capacity across Africa.

He noted that the programme is steadily positioning itself as a talent pipeline for emerging rehabilitation professionals across the continent while encouraging the scholars to remain committed to discipline, consistency and purpose.

According to him, impactful professional careers are built on persistence and strong values, adding that professionalism, integrity and confidentiality should remain guiding principles throughout the internship experience.

The five scholars selected for the internship phase emerged from the 11 outstanding winners of the IfeanHealth Scholarship Programme. The latest cohort also reflects the programme’s growing continental reach, with one of the beneficiaries coming from Kenya, underscoring its vision of building a connected network of prosthetics and orthotics professionals across Africa.

Programme Coordinator and Director of Strategic Partnerships & Impact Initiatives, Mrs. Eva James, described the programme as “a transition from selection to responsibility” and “from potential to performance.”

She explained that the initiative bridges academic learning and real-world clinical exposure by equipping scholars with structured mentorship, discipline and practical experience required to excel in prosthetics and orthotics practice across diverse healthcare systems.

Other IfeanHealth executives highlighted the organisation’s culture of excellence, collaboration and innovation, explaining how each department contributes to delivering quality prosthetics and orthotics services.

Through interactive mentorship sessions, they shared practical insights on professionalism, ethical practice, leadership, effective communication, interdisciplinary teamwork, patient-centred care and continuous professional development. They also encouraged the scholars to see themselves not only as future clinicians but as future leaders who will shape rehabilitation services across Africa.

The selected scholars from Nigeria and Kenya will begin their internship placements in Lagos and Enugu, where they will receive immersive clinical and operational experience within IfeanHealth’s ecosystem, further strengthening the organisation’s contribution to prosthetics and orthotics development across Africa and beyond.

During an interactive session, the scholars shared how they learned about IfeanHealth through digital platforms, referrals and professional recommendations, reflecting the organisation’s growing visibility and credibility within the global healthcare training space.

At the end of the programme, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing healthcare innovation, strengthening professional networks and contributing to a more connected and future-ready prosthetics and orthotics landscape across Africa.

Among the dignitaries present were Chijioke Ahamefula, Director, Brand & Marketing; Chimela Chijioke, Senior Manager, Operations; Dauda Mohammed Sani, Head of Department, Physiotherapy; Lawrence Katden, Head of Department, Prosthetics and Orthotics; Stephen Nnaji, Head of Department, Patient Access; Mary Ebong, Manager, Human Resources; and Divine Abu, Brand Specialist.