FG to Establish Six Regional Autism Centres, Expand Specialist Training Nationwide
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Education Minister Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced plans to establish Autism Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones from 2027 as part of comprehensive reforms aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment and support services for children living with autism and other developmental disorders.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed the initiative during an engagement with stakeholders on Wednesday, saying the centres would serve as regional hubs for diagnosis, therapy, research and professional training.
According to the minister, the government has also expanded the number of universities offering Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy programmes from about four to nearly 16 institutions.
He said the expansion is designed to address Nigeria’s shortage of specialists and reduce the growing number of families seeking autism treatment abroad.
Beginning next year, universities offering the specialised programmes will receive targeted Federal Government support, including infrastructure upgrades, modern equipment and teaching materials to increase training capacity.
Alausa also revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education has directed the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to fast-track the accreditation of the Federal School of Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy diploma programme at the University of Benin to strengthen professional career pathways.
The minister commended institutions that have introduced the specialised programmes, describing them as critical to building the skilled workforce required to improve autism care and inclusive education.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with universities, regulatory agencies and professional bodies to expand specialist education, strengthen research and improve access to quality care for children living with developmental conditions.
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