The federal government says it is expanding autism-related education and care capacity in Nigeria. Minister of Education Tunji Alausa states that the number of universities offering programmes in relevant specialties is increasing to about 16, up from around four previously. He says the programmes are spread across the country’s six geopolitical zones and are intended to improve specialist training and strengthen existing tertiary autism centres. The minister links the initiative to addressing shortages of skilled professionals in audiology, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. He also says the government plans further expansion to additional institutions to meet rising demand for services for children with autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other developmental conditions.
Alausa adds that many families still travel outside Nigeria to access autism care, which he describes as unacceptable, and the government is working to change this through increased local capacity. He says targeted interventions for universities offering the specialised programmes are planned from the beginning of 2027, including infrastructure expansion and provision of modern equipment. He also indicates the National Board for Technical Education will fast-track accreditation related to occupational therapy training at the University of Benin and that autism centres will be established in each geopolitical zone from the beginning of next year.
