Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa has revealed the government’s strategy to set up autism centers in all six geopolitical zones. This initiative seeks to provide local diagnostic and therapeutic care, effectively decreasing the need for families to seek treatment in other countries. The plan also includes ramping up specialized education in fields like Audiology, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy to cultivate a local expert workforce.
To tackle the current shortage of professionals, the government has already increased the number of universities offering relevant degrees from four to 16. Dr. Alausa indicated that these institutions will receive increased support, including better facilities and modern teaching equipment starting next year. Additionally, the minister instructed the National Board for Technical Education to expedite the accreditation process for the Federal School of Occupational Therapy and related diploma programs at the University of Benin to ensure a clear path for students.
Scheduled for a 2027 launch, the regional autism centers will act as hubs for research, diagnosis, and therapy. These efforts align with the broader goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to provide inclusive education and improved support systems for children with ADHD, autism, and other developmental needs.
