Abuja: The Federal Government has announced plans to establish Autism Centres across the six geopolitical zones by 2027. This initiative aims to enhance autism care and expand specialist training throughout the country, as disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the centres will offer diagnosis, therapy, and research services, assisting families, healthcare professionals, and educational institutions. This effort is part of the government’s strategy to address the shortage of professionals in fields such as audiology, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. The number of universities offering these specialized programs has increased from four to approximately 16 as a result of ongoing reforms.
Dr. Alausa highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding institutions offering programs in audiology, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. He noted that starting in 2027, targeted interventions w
ill be undertaken to strengthen universities offering these specialized programs. These interventions include expanding infrastructure and providing modern equipment and instructional materials to boost training capacity.
The minister expressed concern over the current situation where many Nigerian families travel abroad for specialized care for children with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to limited local capacity. “This is not acceptable, and the federal government is determined to change that,” he stated.
Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Education has instructed the National Board for Technical Education to expedite the accreditation of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy diploma program at the University of Benin. This move aims to create a seamless academic pathway from diploma to bachelor’s degree and strengthen professional career development.
Dr. Alausa praised the universities that have introduced specialized programs, emphas
izing their crucial role in building the workforce needed to improve care for children with developmental conditions. He reiterated the ministry’s dedication to collaborating with universities, regulatory agencies, and professional bodies to expand specialist training, enhance institutional capacity, and promote research and innovation in autism care.
The initiative is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to improve access to quality diagnosis, therapy, and inclusive education for children living with autism, ADHD, and other developmental conditions.