GTCO Conference Advocates for Autism Education Inclusion

The 16th Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Autism Conference, held at the Muson Centre in Lagos, focused on advancing Nigeria's approach to autism education from mere awareness to actionable inclusion. The conference, themed ‘Acceptance in Action’, gathered educators, specialists, and caregivers to discuss the essential roles of schools and families in supporting children on the autism spectrum.

Segun Agbaje, GTCO Group Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged the progress made over the past 16 years in autism advocacy, highlighting that increased awareness has encouraged families to acknowledge autism. However, he emphasized that awareness must evolve into practical support, stating that not all workplaces can accommodate every autistic individual due to varying support needs.

The conference underscored the necessity of equipping families, schools, and employers with the skills to help autistic individuals thrive, marking a significant shift in autism advocacy in Nigeria.