Individuals with autism in Nigeria may soon experience significant relief, as the Federal Government has begun steps to expand the number of tertiary institutions offering degree programmes in occupational therapy, audiology, and speech therapy from just two to 20.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa stated this on Thursday in Abuja while inaugurating the Committee for the Establishment of the National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Therapy.

Dr Alausa said the establishment of the panel marks a strategic step toward repositioning the country’s education sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He noted that Nigeria is at a critical stage where demand for specialised healthcare and rehabilitation services is rising across hospitals, schools and communities, stressing that trained professionals in these fields are essential for effective healthcare delivery, inclusive education and social integration.

According to him, the country currently faces a significant shortfall in both the availability and quality of training programmes in Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Therapy, with many universities lacking structured degree courses or operating below global standards.

He disclosed that currently, only the Ondo State Medical University and Obafemi Awolowo University run programmes in Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Speech Therapy. However, about 20 universities have expressed readiness to introduce the courses, with eight already at an advanced stage of preparation.

The Minister consequently called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to fast-track the accreditation process for the eight institutions, with a view to completing it before the end of the year.

“The inauguration of this Committee is a deliberate and strategic response to this challenge,” the minister said, adding that the initiative would help bridge gaps in workforce development and improve service delivery.

He explained that the committee has been mandated to work with universities to establish Bachelor’s degree programmes, develop curricula, and guide accreditation processes. It is also expected to collaborate with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria to ensure compliance with national and international standards.

Other responsibilities include providing technical guidance on clinical training frameworks, reviewing minimum academic and infrastructural requirements, and engaging key stakeholders like the National Universities Commission to ensure quality assurance and sustainability of the programmes.

The committee will also assess pathways for diploma holders to transition into degree programmes, discourage substandard training routes, and submit periodic reports through appropriate regulatory channels.

Alausa highlighted the roles of critical institutions in the initiative, noting that the NUC would oversee accreditation and standardisation, while the Tertiary Education Trust Fund will serve as the secretariat, providing technical and institutional support.

Responding, occupational therapist and Chairman of the committee, Dr. Victoria Amu, noted that the campaign to institutionalise the degree programme in tertiary institutions countrywide has been ongoing for more than 20 years.

She explained that the initiative would significantly enhance early detection and intervention for autism and related conditions, while also curbing the growing trend of medical tourism, as more Nigerians would have access to specialised care within the country.

Dr Amu added that expanding local training capacity would strengthen the healthcare system, create employment opportunities for professionals, and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals requiring rehabilitative and therapeutic services.