FG to establish six autism centres across Nigeria in 2027

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish six autism centres across the country’s six geopolitical zones in 2027 as part of efforts to improve access to diagnosis, treatment and specialised care for persons living with autism spectrum disorder.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the minister, the proposed centres will provide diagnosis, therapy, research and family support services, while also strengthening the training of healthcare professionals and educators involved in autism care.

Alausa said the initiative is aimed at addressing the country’s shortage of specialists in audiology, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.

He noted that the Federal Government had expanded the number of universities offering these specialised programmes from four to about 16, adding that more institutions would be encouraged to establish similar programmes.

“The 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 four universities to about 16 universities, but we want even more institutions to train the manpower needed to support these essential services,” he said.

The minister disclosed that targeted interventions would begin in 2027 to strengthen universities offering the specialised programmes through improved infrastructure, modern equipment and instructional materials.

He expressed concern that many Nigerian families still travel abroad to seek specialised care for children living with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to limited 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 said.

He also disclosed that the Ministry of Education had directed the National Board for Technical Education to fast-track the accreditation of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy diploma programme at the University of Benin.

According to him, the move will create a seamless academic pathway from diploma to bachelor’s degree while strengthening professional career development in the field.

Alausa commended universities that have introduced specialised programmes in autism-related disciplines, describing their efforts as crucial to developing the skilled workforce needed to improve care for children with developmental conditions.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with universities, regulatory agencies and professional bodies to expand specialist training, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote research and innovation in autism care.

The minister added that the initiative, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is expected to improve access to quality diagnosis, therapy and inclusive education for children living with autism, ADHD and other developmental conditions.

(NAN)