Minister unveils six autism centres in tertiary institutions
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has unveiled a comprehensive Federal Government initiative to strengthen autism care through expanded specialist training, strategic investments in tertiary institutions and the establishment of Autism Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Ikharo Attah, said the reforms are designed to address Nigeria’s shortage of highly skilled professionals in Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy while improving access to quality services for children living with autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other developmental conditions.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement, Dr Alausa disclosed that the number of universities offering the specialised programmes has risen from about four to almost sixteen under the Federal Government’s ongoing education reforms, with plans to expand the programmes to additional institutions.
“Our Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, is supporting this by expanding the number of institutions offering programmes in Audiology, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. We have moved from about four universities to almost sixteen universities, but we want even more institutions to train the manpower needed to support these essential services,” the Minister said.
Dr Alausa noted that many Nigerian families still seek specialised autism care abroad because of limited local capacity, describing the situation as unacceptable.
To address this, he announced that from 2027, the Federal Government will establish Autism Centres in each of the six geopolitical zones to provide diagnosis, therapy, research and family support services.
The Minister also announced that, beginning next year, universities running the specialised programmes will receive targeted interventions to expand infrastructure, acquire modern equipment and strengthen training capacity.
He further disclosed that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to fast-track accreditation of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy diploma programme at the University of Benin to create seamless academic progression.
Dr Alausa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with universities, regulatory agencies and professional bodies to expand specialist training and advance research, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure every Nigerian child with autism and related developmental conditions has access to quality care and inclusive education.