The Joe Ezigbo Foundation for Dyslexia has expressed concern over the health and educational impacts of undiagnosed dyslexia among Nigerian children, calling for urgent early screening and support systems.

The foundation made this known during its official launch in Lagos, which brought together experts, dyslexic individuals, parents, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for addressing learning challenges faced by affected children. According to the foundation, an estimated one in five Nigerian children may have dyslexia, yet about 80 per cent lack access to professional screening and support.

The foundation aims to change this reality by raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis, equipping teachers with tools, and collaborating with government and partners to build sustainable intervention systems. Plans include establishing assessment centres across Nigeria to provide early intervention and support for both children and adults.

Dyslexia is a lifelong neurological learning condition that causes difficulties with reading, spelling, and decoding words, despite normal intelligence. It involves differences in brain language processing, particularly reduced activation in the left hemisphere.

A board-certified cognitive specialist and member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mrs Nne Oramasionwu, highlighted the hidden nature of dyslexia and myths that worsen its effects. She explained that many Nigerian parents remain unaware of the condition because its symptoms are less visible than those of other developmental disorders. “Parents may simply say their child does not perform well or dislikes reading. That’s our red flag,” she said.

Oramasionwu also warned against misconceptions that dyslexia is a character flaw, laziness, or spiritual problem, which can harm children’s confidence and lead teachers to unfairly label or ignore them.

To address these gaps, the foundation has planned extensive advocacy programs in schools, community centres, churches, and mosques to educate parents and teachers that dyslexic children can excel with the right interventions. A hotline has also been established to guide parents through assessments and appropriate interventions.

Chinelo Ezigbo, who identifies as dyslexic, recounted challenges growing up in Nigeria, including difficulty seeing the board, spelling, and processing information. Exams were particularly challenging as extra time was never provided.

She contrasted this with the support received in the United Kingdom, where accommodations like extra exam time, assistive software, and teacher understanding helped her succeed. She also highlighted the psychological toll of undiagnosed dyslexia, including low self-esteem and shame.

The foundation’s chairman, Prof. Joe Ezigbo, emphasised that dyslexia should be recognised as a neurological condition, not a disease. Reflecting on his motivation, he noted the struggles of his own children and the transformative impact of diagnosis and specialised teaching. “These children are not idiots. The problem lies with the schools and teachers who have not found the right way to instruct them,” he said.

On funding, Ezigbo revealed that he is currently financing the foundation himself. “I transitioned and ploughed back my resources to ensure no child is left behind. The aim is to establish a strong foundation first; support will follow once the results are visible,” he said, stressing the multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals in managing dyslexia.