The Federal Government, FG, has announced plans to establish six regional Autism Centres across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones in 2027 as part of efforts to improve autism diagnosis, treatment, research and specialist training nationwide.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, disclosed the initiative on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, describing it as a major step towards strengthening support for children and adults living with autism spectrum disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, and other developmental conditions.
According to the minister, the centres will provide comprehensive services, including early diagnosis, therapy, rehabilitation, research, professional training and family support, while serving as referral hubs for healthcare providers and educational institutions across the country.
Alausa said the project forms part of the FG broader strategy to address the shortage of professionals in critical areas such as audiology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and other developmental support services.
He noted that significant progress has already been made in expanding specialist education, with the number of Nigerian universities offering programmes in audiology, speech therapy and occupational therapy increasing from four to about 16 under the current education reforms.
“The FG, 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,” Alausa said.
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The minister disclosed that beginning in 2027, the government will roll out targeted interventions to strengthen institutions offering these specialized programmes through improved infrastructure, modern equipment, instructional materials and increased training capacity.
He expressed concern that many Nigerian families are still compelled to travel abroad to seek specialized healthcare services for children with autism and ADHD due to inadequate local facilities and limited availability of trained professionals.
“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 stated.
To strengthen professional training, Alausa said the Federal Ministry of Education has directed the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, 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, improve professional development and increase the number of qualified specialists available to provide autism-related services nationwide.
The minister commended universities that have already introduced specialized programmes, describing their contributions as essential to building the skilled workforce needed to improve care for individuals living with developmental disorders.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with universities, regulatory agencies and professional bodies to expand specialist training, strengthen institutional capacity and promote research, innovation and evidence-based interventions in autism care.
Alausa added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes improved healthcare, inclusive education and expanded access to quality services for vulnerable groups.
He expressed confidence that the establishment of the six regional autism centres would significantly improve access to early diagnosis, therapy, rehabilitation and inclusive educational support, while reducing the financial burden on Nigerian families who currently seek specialized treatment outside the country.
NAN
