PARENTS, educators, and healthcare experts have called for nationwide access to therapy programmes for children with special needs in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need to bridge gaps in care, resources, and support systems.
The call was made during a recent Special Educational Needs and Therapy Empowerment (SENTE) conference, which brought together parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates to discuss practical ways to improve the lives of children with disabilities.

The Chair of SENTE and the Centre for Nigerian Children, Dr Mudi Nwachukwu, explained that her experience running Remember Mori, a private educational service, exposed a critical gap in support for parents.

She said many parents of children with special needs were isolated, stigmatised, and lacked access to information or practical guidance. “After interacting with parents for two years, I realised there was a need to create a space where they could get concrete advice from health professionals, access resources, and plan for their children’s futures,” she said.
According to Nwachukwu, the initiative has assisted hundreds of families across Nigeria, helping children access therapy, attend mainstream schools, and even progress into higher education. She noted that SENTE, now in its second year, has enabled parents to connect with professionals and support networks.
However, she warned that much work remains, particularly in states where therapy services, such as speech therapy, are virtually non-existent.

Highlighting the challenges parents face, Nwachukwu stressed the importance of funding and policy reforms. “Therapy is expensive, and many parents struggle to afford it. We need financial support to establish accessible institutions and policies that protect families from discrimination. Parents shouldn’t have to face societal barriers alone, like taxi drivers refusing to transport children with disabilities,” she said.
Parent advocate, Yinka Ogunnubi, underscored the role of stigma in limiting access and awareness. Sharing his own journey, he said that speaking publicly about parenting a special needs child eight years ago helped open dialogue and encourage other families to share experiences.
Ogunnubi also stressed that government intervention is crucial, particularly in funding inclusive schools and ensuring they have the capacity to accommodate children across the neurodivergent spectrum, from autism and Down syndrome to dyslexia.

Founder of Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation, Ms Tobiloba Ajayi, reflected on her personal experience growing up with a diagnosis. She said her parents consistently reminded her that she was not defined by her condition, teaching independence and resilience. She encouraged parents to allow children to struggle safely to develop problem-solving skills and confidence.
Executive Director of Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiatives, Mrs Solape Azazi, said that preparing children for adulthood is equally crucial.

Azazi explained that interventions should not focus solely on childhood therapy but also on equipping children with skills, financial planning, and support networks for independent adult lives. “An autistic five-year-old will grow up to be an autistic adult. We must ensure they have the tools and resources to lead fulfilling lives,” she said, calling on government support to build sustainable systems that translate these conversations into actionable outcomes.
The participants called for increased awareness, funding, policy reform, and parental empowerment to create a truly inclusive society.
They emphasised that a combination of professional guidance, systemic support, and parental involvement is essential to ensure that children with special needs are not only cared for but are also equipped to thrive throughout their lives.