The federal authorities has begun strikes to determine international-standard autism centres throughout Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to enhance entry to specialised care, early analysis, remedy and rehabilitation for folks residing with autism.
The centres, proposed to be hosted by chosen college medical colleges, are being thought-about for funding underneath the 2027 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special Intervention.
The government secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, disclosed this in Abuja yesterday through the inauguration of the National Committee for the Establishment of International Standard Autism Centres in Nigeria.
Echono stated, “The proposed centres will provide early diagnosis, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, research and professional training, while promoting public awareness and supporting families and caregivers.”
The TETFund boss stated the committee had been mandated to develop a sensible framework for establishing the proposed centres, together with figuring out appropriate universities and medical colleges primarily based on clear and evidence-based standards.
The committee is predicted to advocate minimal requirements for the design, operation, staffing and high quality assurance of the centres, drawing on recognised worldwide finest practices and relevant Nigerian requirements.
It can also be anticipated to develop value estimates, implementation schedules, procurement necessities and measurable efficiency indicators, in addition to suggest monitoring and analysis mechanisms with clear milestones and reporting obligations.
The chairperson of the committee and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Prof Ebunoluwa Aderonke Adejuyigbe, stated the initiative provided a chance to deal with the challenges Nigerian households face in accessing autism care.
Adejuyigbe, a paediatrician, stated delayed analysis, restricted entry to specialised companies, monetary difficulties and insufficient skilled help had made the expertise of elevating kids with autism notably difficult for a lot of households.
She stated, “For many Nigerian families raising children with autism, the journey is often characterised by delayed diagnosis, partly due to denial, limited access to specialised services, financial difficulties and inadequate professional support.”
The committee chairperson stated the proposed centres ought to transcend offering scientific companies to turn out to be hubs for analysis, skilled coaching, group engagement and sustainable autism care.
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