The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish Autism Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones from 2027 as part of efforts to improve diagnosis, therapy and inclusive education for children with autism and other developmental disorders.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative during a stakeholders’ engagement on Wednesday, describing it as a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for strengthening specialised education and healthcare services.

Alausa said the government had expanded the number of universities offering programmes in audiology, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy from about four to nearly 16, with plans to increase the number further to address the country’s shortage of specialists.

“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 said.

The minister noted that many Nigerian families still travel abroad to access specialised care for children with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), describing the situation as unacceptable.

To strengthen local capacity, he said universities offering the programmes would begin receiving targeted federal support from next year, including modern equipment, improved infrastructure and teaching materials. He also disclosed that the National Board for Technical Education had 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.

Alausa further announced that the planned Autism Centres would provide diagnosis, therapy, research and specialised support services for families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions across the six geopolitical zones.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with universities, regulatory bodies and professional organisations to expand specialist training, improve institutional capacity and promote research aimed at enhancing care for children living with autism, ADHD and other developmental conditions.