The President and Founder of the Association of Practitioners of Spa and Medical Aesthetics of Nigeria (APSMAN), Dr. Felix Avajah, has urged the federal government to establish a Board of Regulation for Aesthetic Medicine to oversee the activities of practitioners.
Dr. Avajah made this appeal during the third graduation ceremony of medical aesthetics professionals held in Lagos over the weekend.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Avajah stated: “When there is a full regulatory board, it will ensure proper oversight of the industry. An association cannot function as a regulatory board because government approval is required for such authority.
We are currently using government-accredited institutions, such as the Lagos State College of Health Technology, whose certificates are recognized. The government should create a board because we now have academic programs in place. For example, the Lagos State College of Health Technology offers a Higher Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, while the Federal College of Education, Akoka, provides a Diploma in Cosmetology and Aesthetics.”
Dr. Avajah emphasized the importance of regulation, saying, “Our association stands for standardization, professionalism, ethics, and education. We believe strongly in education and regulation. Since an association cannot regulate, we partner with government-accredited institutions to establish academic qualifications that pave the way for industry regulation. With proper certification, the industry can be regulated effectively. Without certification, regulation becomes impossible.”
He continued, “We have initiated standard academic programs with structured procedures to eliminate quackery and encourage professional growth. No matter your age, it is never too late to go back to school. The minimum duration for our courses is two years, leading to a diploma. After obtaining a diploma, students can pursue a Higher National Diploma (HND) in an additional two years, depending on the institution.”
Dr. Avajah also warned against the dangers of unqualified practitioners:
“Instead of engaging in quackery, harming people, and extorting money without qualifications, those interested in this field should pursue education. That’s why we collaborate with government-accredited institutions to promote professionalism, safety, and industry standards.”
Speaking on the importance of standardization, the Provost of the Lagos State College of Health Technology, Professor Raheem Olasupo Akewushola, highlighted the increasing demand for aesthetic treatments.
“The demand for these services is growing due to the rising trend of invasive treatments. Our strategic partnership with APSMAN ensures that we train professionals to minimize risks and deliver safe, non-invasive treatments. The graduating students have undergone rigorous training in anatomy, physiology, and skill acquisition, equipping them to be ambassadors of safe practices,” he said.
On quality assurance, Professor Akewushola added: “It is essential for practitioners to affiliate with registered and recognized tertiary institutions. This ensures that all those offering these services operate under a unified framework to maintain quality standards.”
Dr. Akinmayowa Akin-Otiko, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos, emphasized the need for collaboration between spa, aesthetic, and herbal medicine practitioners.
“It is time for the spa and aesthetics industry to work with herbal medicine practitioners to promote wellness. The event highlights the shift from quackery to professionalism while integrating African wellness practices.
Gone are the days when wellness required traveling abroad. Today, we can achieve wellness within our own context, blending herbal and aesthetic approaches. The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, for example, oversees over 7,000 licensed traditional medicine practitioners, ensuring proper monitoring, processing, and administration. Even Western medicine, if poorly administered, can harm. Proper training, certification, and research are critical in all fields of medicine,” Dr. Akin-Otiko said.
“Looking good and staying healthy are fundamental aspects of wellness. Wellness is not only about appearance but also about inner health, which manifests externally,” he concluded.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding students and the launch of the Nigeria Aesthetic Industry Magazine.
SOURCE: VANGUARD NEWSPAPER
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