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- Alausa Launches Sweeping Reforms to Transform Autism Care Across Nigeria By Beauty Akporido Aroh The Federal Government has unveiled a sweeping reform agenda aimed at transforming autism care in Nigeria through expanded specialist training, improved university programmes and the establishment of Autism Centres across the country’s six geopolitical zones. The initiative, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, is designed to tackle the acute shortage of professionals in Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, while ensuring that children living with autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other developmental conditions receive quality care within Nigeria. Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement, Dr. Alausa disclosed that the number of Nigerian universities offering specialised programmes in Audiology, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy has increased from about four to nearly sixteen under the Federal Government’s ongoing education reforms. He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to expanding the programmes to more institutions in order to produce the skilled workforce required to meet the growing demand for specialised services across the country. According to the Minister, the reforms are part of a broader strategy to strengthen diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation services while reducing the financial and emotional burden on families who currently travel abroad or to neighbouring countries in search of treatment for their children. He described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that no Nigerian family should have to leave the country because essential autism care is unavailable at home. To bridge the manpower gap, Dr. Alausa announced that beginning next year, the Federal Government will provide targeted interventions to universities offering the specialised programmes. The support will include the expansion of infrastructure, provision of modern equipment and instructional materials, and increased training capacity to produce more qualified professionals. In another major policy move, the Minister revealed that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to fast-track the accreditation of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy diploma programme at the University of Benin. The move is expected to create a seamless progression from diploma to bachelor’s degree while strengthening career opportunities for aspiring occupational therapists. Dr. Alausa commended universities that have aligned with the Federal Government’s policy by introducing programmes in Audiology, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy, describing their contributions as vital to building the specialist workforce needed to improve the lives of children with developmental conditions. The Minister also announced that beginning in 2027, the Federal Government will establish Autism Centres in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The centres will provide comprehensive diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation services, promote research and innovation, and serve as regional centres of excellence supporting families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to working closely with universities, regulatory agencies and professional bodies to strengthen specialist education, expand institutional capacity and promote research that will improve autism care nationwide. The reforms, he noted, are in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to ensure that every Nigerian child living with autism, ADHD and other developmental conditions has access to quality diagnosis, therapy, inclusive education and the opportunity to achieve their full potential. The latest initiative is expected to significantly improve Nigeria’s capacity to provide specialised developmental care, reduce dependence on foreign medical services and lay the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive healthcare and education system.
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