The Federal Government has unveiled major reforms to transform autism care in Nigeria through expanded specialist training and the establishment of Autism Centres in all six geopolitical zones.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, during an engagement with stakeholders.
Dr. Alausa said the initiative is aimed at addressing Nigeria’s shortage of professionals in Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.
He revealed that the number of universities offering the specialized programmes has increased from about four to almost sixteen under ongoing reforms by the Tinubu administration.
The FG, he said, plans to expand the programmes further to meet growing demand for services for children with autism, ADHD and other developmental conditions.
According to a statement by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser, Media and Communications, the Minister said "Our 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 about four universities to almost sixteen universities, but we want even more institutions to train the manpower needed to support these essential services,"
He noted that many Nigerian families still travel abroad and even to neighboring countries for specialized care, describing the situation as “unacceptable.”
"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."
Stressing that beginning next year, the Federal Government will provide targeted interventions to universities offering the programmes, he said that the support will include expansion of infrastructure, provision of modern equipment and instructional materials to increase training capacity.
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry has directed the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, to fast-track accreditation of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy diploma programme at the University of Benin.
This, he said, will create a seamless progression from diploma to bachelor's degree and strengthen career pathways.
Dr. Alausa commended universities that have embraced the policy direction, saying their efforts are critical to building the workforce needed to improve outcomes for children with developmental conditions.
Looking ahead, the Minister announced that from 2027, the Federal Government will establish Autism Centres in each of the six geopolitical zones.
"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."
He said the centres will provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, promote research, and serve as regional centres of excellence supporting families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with universities, regulatory agencies and professional bodies to expand specialist training and advance research in autism care, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The goal, he said, is to ensure that every Nigerian child with autism, ADHD and other developmental conditions has access to quality diagnosis, therapy, inclusive education and the opportunity to realise their full potential.