Nigeria's Education Minister Launches Autism Care Reforms

On Wednesday, during an engagement with stakeholders in Abuja, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, unveiled a significant Federal Government initiative aimed at transforming autism care in Nigeria. This initiative includes expanded specialist training, targeted investments in tertiary institutions, and the establishment of Autism Centres across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

Dr. Alausa highlighted the increase in universities offering specialized programs in Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy from about four to nearly sixteen, under the ongoing reforms. He emphasized the government's commitment to further expand these programs to meet the rising demand for services for children with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The initiative aims to reduce the need for families to seek specialized care abroad. Starting next year, the government will provide targeted interventions to enhance infrastructure and resources at universities offering these programs.

Additionally, the National Board for Technical Education has been directed to expedite the accreditation of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy and the University of Benin's diploma program.