Genetic Counsellor Workforce Development Strategy for Federal Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria’s North West Zone

The genetic counsellor workforce in Nigeria is critically insufficient relative to the burden of genetic diseases, particularly in the North West geopolitical zone where sickle cell disease, consanguinity-associated disorders, and chromosomal conditions impose high clinical demands. This professional study developed a comprehensive workforce development strategy for genetic counsellors serving federal teaching hospitals in the North West zone, covering Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, and Jigawa States. A needs assessment combining hospital records review, key informant interviews with 35 senior clinicians and administrators, and workforce mapping was conducted. Existing genetic counselling positions, staffing levels, training pathways, and service utilisation data were documented. The needs assessment revealed a critical shortage of accredited genetic counsellors, with most facilities relying on non-specialist doctors or nurses for genetic counselling tasks. A multi-component strategy was developed including: establishment of a post-graduate genetic counselling certificate programme at Bayero University Kano, creation of a North West Genetic Counselling Consortium for cross-facility supervision, and integration of genetic counselling KPIs into federal teaching hospital performance frameworks. This strategy provides an actionable workforce development blueprint for the North West zone. Keywords: genetic counsellor workforce, North West Nigeria, workforce development, teaching hospital, genetics services