Favour Ishember, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is putting people first to fix Nigeria’s autism care gap, with a new Federal Government push aimed at training more specialists and bringing quality diagnosis and therapy closer to home for Nigerian families.
Speaking to stakeholders, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the plan centers on growing the country’s pool of experts so parents no longer have to leave Nigeria to get help for their children.
According to a press statement issued by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser to the Minister on publicity and information, the initiative tackles a long-standing shortage of highly trained professionals in three critical areas: Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. Under the current reforms, the number of universities running these specialized degrees has jumped from roughly four to nearly sixteen. The Ministry says that number will keep rising to match the rising demand for support for children with autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and other developmental conditions.
“Our Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, is backing this by widening the institutions that offer programmes in Audiology, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. We have grown from about four universities to close to sixteen universities, but we need even more schools to produce the workforce required for these vital services,” Dr Alausa stated.
The Minister described it as unacceptable that many Nigerian families still seek treatment abroad and in neighboring countries due to limited services at home.
“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,” he said.
To speed up the rollout, the government will roll out focused support to universities offering the courses starting next year. The package includes upgraded facilities, modern equipment, and new teaching materials, all designed to boost each school’s ability to graduate more Audiology, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy professionals.
The Ministry has also asked the National Board for Technical Education to fast-track accreditation for two key programs: the Federal School of Occupational Therapy, and the Occupational Therapy diploma at the University of Benin. The move is intended to create a smooth pathway from diploma to bachelor’s degree and build stronger career tracks for graduates, the release said.
Dr Alausa praised universities that have already aligned with the government’s direction by launching the specialized programs, calling their efforts essential to building a workforce that can improve outcomes for children with developmental needs.
Looking to 2027, the Federal Government will establish Autism Centres in all six geopolitical zones. Each centre is planned to deliver full diagnostic and therapeutic services, drive research, and act as a regional hub of excellence for families, clinicians, and schools.
“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,” the Minister said.
Dr Alausa reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Education will continue working with universities, regulatory bodies, and professional associations to grow specialist training, strengthen institutional capacity, and advance research and innovation in autism care. The effort, he said, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the goal that every Nigerian child with autism, ADHD, and other developmental conditions can access quality diagnosis, therapy, inclusive education, and the chance to reach their full potential.
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