FG to Set Up Six Regional Autism Centres, Expands Specialist Training
The Federal Government has announced sweeping reforms aimed at transforming autism in Nigeria, including plans to set up Autism Centers across the country's six geopolitical zones by 2027, as well as expand training for specialists in audiology, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, disclosed this during a meeting with stakeholders on Wednesday, stating that the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda to improve access to quality diagnosis, therapy, and inclusive education for children with autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and other developmental conditions. According to Alausa, the Federal Government has already expanded the number of universities offering specialized programs in occupational therapy, audiology, and speech and language therapy from roughly four to over sixteen, with intentions to expand the programs to further schools. He claims that the measures are intended to address Nigeria's lack of qualified specialists and lessen the increasing number of families compelled to travel abroad for specialized autism care.

