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.
“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.
He lamented that many Nigerian families still travel abroad and even to neighbouring countries in search of treatment for children with autism and ADHD because of inadequate local capacity.
“Today, many families still have to travel outside Nigeria to access care for their autistic children. This is not acceptable, and the Federal Government is determined to change that,” Alausa added.
The minister declared that, starting next year, universities that operate the programs would receive targeted Federal Government interventions to strengthen specialized training. These interventions would include contemporary equipment, better infrastructure, and instructional materials to increase their training capacity.
Additionally, he said that the Federal Ministry of Education had instructed the National Board for Technical Education to expedite the certification of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy and the University of Benin's occupational therapy diploma program.
He claims that the change will improve professional career growth in the industry and establish a smooth transition from diploma to bachelor's degree. Alausa praised academic institutions that had adopted the government's agenda by launching specialized programs, characterizing them as essential collaborators in creating the personnel required to enhance results for kids with developmental disorders.
The minister also declared that starting in 2027, the Federal Government would set establish Autism Centers in each of the six geographic zones. According to him, the facilities would encourage research, offer comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, and function as regional hubs of excellence for families, medical professionals, and academic institutions.
“In 2027, we will open Autism Centres across the six geopolitical zones. These centres will focus on diagnosis, therapy, and research to better support the needs of our citizens,” he said.
Alausa reiterated the ministry's dedication to collaborating with academic institutions, governmental organizations, and professional associations in order to enhance specialized training, boost institutional capacity, and encourage research and innovation in the treatment of autism. The most recent changes coincide with the Federal Government's increased efforts to improve healthcare and specialized education for kids with developmental disabilities.
The Ministry of Education has started a number of measures in recent months to address the severe labor shortages in the health and education sectors. A Technical Working Group for the projected Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences will be established, medical and allied health training will be expanded, and measures to increase access to specialized education programs will be introduced.
Experts have frequently brought attention to Nigeria's severe lack of occupational therapists, audiologists, and speech therapists; as a result, many families must fly outside for diagnosis and treatment. To enhance early diagnosis, intervention, and inclusive education for kids with autism, ADHD, and other developmental disorders, stakeholders have also demanded increased cooperation between the education and health sectors.\
In addition to improving access to specialized services, supporting research, and lessening the burden on families seeking high-quality care abroad, the planned construction of six regional autism centers is anticipated to help develop a sustainable workforce to meet Nigeria's expanding demand for developmental and rehabilitation services.
