Professional Development Needs of Food Inspectors in the Regulatory System of Oyo State Ministry of Health

Effective food safety regulation depends significantly on the technical competence and professional preparedness of food inspection personnel. In Oyo State, the Ministry of Health deploys food inspectors across Ibadan Metropolis and secondary cities, yet the professional development infrastructure supporting these officers has not been systematically evaluated. This study assessed the professional development needs of seventy-two food inspectors employed by the Oyo State Ministry of Health across three senatorial districts. A structured needs assessment questionnaire covering technical knowledge gaps, practical skill deficiencies, training history, and self-identified learning priorities was administered. Supplementary focus group discussions with senior officers provided contextual depth. Data were analysed using frequency distributions and thematic analysis. Results revealed that 61 percent of inspectors had not received any formal refresher training in the past three years. Knowledge gaps were most pronounced in areas of laboratory-based food analysis interpretation, risk-based inspection protocols, food labelling legislation updates, and emerging contaminants. Practical skill deficiencies were reported in sampling techniques, audit report writing, and use of digital inspection tools. Seventy-eight percent of respondents expressed strong interest in structured continuing professional development programmes. The study recommends the development of a structured two-year competency-based continuing professional development curriculum for Oyo State food inspectors, delivered through partnerships with food science academic institutions. Keywords: food inspectors, professional development, regulatory system, food safety, Oyo State.