The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the number of Nigerian universities offering specialised therapy programmes from two to 20, in a move aimed at improving care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja during the inauguration of a committee set up to advance training in occupational therapy, audiology, and speech therapy.
According to the minister, Nigeria is currently facing a shortage of trained professionals in these fields, despite increasing demand across hospitals, schools, and communities.
He stressed that expanding training programmes is essential for strengthening healthcare delivery, promoting inclusive education, and improving social integration for people with developmental conditions.
Alausa explained that the newly inaugurated committee will collaborate with universities to develop curricula, guide accreditation, and establish bachelor’s degree programmes.
He said the committee is also expected to work with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria to ensure adherence to both national and international standards, with additional responsibilities, which include setting clinical training frameworks, reviewing academic and infrastructural requirements, and engaging stakeholders to ensure the quality and sustainability of the programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, the Chairman Victoria Amu said efforts to institutionalise these programmes have been ongoing for over two decades, noting that the expansion would improve early detection and intervention for autism and related conditions, while reducing the need for medical tourism.
AIT investigation reveals that at present, only Ondo State Medical University and Obafemi Awolowo University offer degree programmes in the therapy-related disciplines.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
