FG to establish six regional autism centres in 2027

The Federal Government says it will establish six regional Autism Centres across the country in 2027 as part of efforts to improve autism care, expand specialist training and reduce the need for Nigerians to seek treatment abroad.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja.

He said the centres, to be located in the six geopolitical zones, would provide diagnosis, therapy and research services, while offering support to families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions.

According to the minister, the initiative is aimed at addressing the shortage of specialists in audiology, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.

Alausa said ongoing reforms had increased the number of universities offering these specialised programmes from four to about 16, adding that the government was encouraging more institutions to establish similar courses.

He said the Federal Ministry of Education would begin targeted interventions in 2027 to strengthen universities running the programmes through improved infrastructure, modern equipment and enhanced instructional materials.

The minister noted that inadequate local capacity had forced many Nigerian families to travel overseas for treatment of children living with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a situation he described as unacceptable.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a stronger workforce capable of delivering quality developmental care within the country.

Alausa also disclosed that the ministry 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.

He said the move would create a seamless progression from diploma to bachelor’s degree, strengthening professional development in the field.

The minister commended universities that had introduced specialised programmes in autism-related disciplines, describing their contributions as critical to addressing the country’s growing demand for trained professionals.

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.

According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to improve access to quality diagnosis, therapy and inclusive education for children living with autism, ADHD and other developmental conditions.