Federal Government to Establish Autism Centres Across Six Geopolitical Zones by 2027.

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish autism centres in all six geopolitical zones beginning in 2027 as part of efforts to improve access to diagnosis, therapy and support services for children living with developmental conditions.

Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, stating that the initiative is aimed at reducing the need for families to seek specialised care abroad.

According to the minister, the proposed centres will provide diagnostic and therapeutic services, support research, and serve as regional centres of excellence for families, professionals and educational institutions.

Alausa said the government is also expanding specialist training programmes in Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy to address the shortage of qualified professionals in the country.

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

He also 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.

The minister noted that the move would create a smoother academic pathway from diploma to degree programmes while enhancing professional development in the sector.

Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with universities, regulatory agencies and professional bodies to expand specialist training, strengthen institutional capacity and promote research and innovation in autism care.