The Federal Government has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at improving autism care in Nigeria through expanded specialist training, targeted investments in tertiary institutions and the establishment of six regional Autism Centres.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative during a stakeholders’ engagement, describing it as a major step toward addressing Nigeria’s shortage of professionals in Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.
According to the minister, the number of universities offering these specialised programmes has increased from about four to nearly 16 under the ongoing education reforms, with plans to expand the programmes to more institutions.
Alausa said the initiative is designed to strengthen the country’s capacity to diagnose, treat and support children living with autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other developmental conditions.
He lamented that many Nigerian families still travel abroad or to neighbouring countries to seek specialised care due to limited local capacity, stressing that the government is determined to reverse the trend.
To support the reforms, the Federal Government will, from next year, provide targeted funding to universities offering the specialised programmes. The intervention will include improved infrastructure, modern equipment and instructional materials to increase the training of specialists.
The minister also disclosed that the National Board for Technical Education has been directed to fast-track the accreditation of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy diploma programme at the University of Benin to create a seamless pathway to bachelor’s degree programmes.
Alausa further announced that beginning in 2027, the Federal Government will establish Autism Centres in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The centres will provide diagnostic and therapeutic services, support research and serve as regional centres of excellence for families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to expanding specialist training and improving access to quality diagnosis, therapy and inclusive education for children with autism and other developmental conditions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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