On Sunday, Nigeria’s [Minister of Education](https://education.gov.ng) Dr Olatunji Alausa urged all university vice‑chancellors to add degree programmes in audiology, occupational therapy, speech‑language therapy, clinical psychology and medical social work, and announced that the [Federal Government](https://www.nigeria.gov.ng) will set up [autism centres](https://www.autism.org.ng) in each of the six geopolitical zones.
Alausa highlighted that the new courses aim to close critical manpower gaps in specialised health and social services, create more graduate employment opportunities, and lessen dependence on overseas expertise. He stated, “These programmes will strengthen our capacity to train qualified professionals and reduce reliance on foreign expertise.” The statement, released by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Ikharo Attah, also reaffirmed the government’s pledge to improve diagnosis, treatment and support for persons on the autism spectrum.
**Why are new specialised health programmes needed?**
Nigeria is experiencing a shortage of qualified audiologists, occupational therapists, speech‑language therapists, clinical psychologists and medical social workers. Introducing these degrees at university level is intended to expand the skilled workforce and meet the rising demand for specialised healthcare and social care across the country.
**What will the autism centres provide?**
The planned autism centres, to be established in the six geopolitical zones, will offer diagnostic and therapeutic services, serve as research hubs, and act as regional support points for families, clinicians and educational institutions. They are expected to enhance access to specialised care for autistic individuals and their relatives.
**How will universities implement the new courses?**
Alausa called on vice‑chancellors to collaborate with the chairman of the Ministerial Committee on the Advancement of Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy – [Dr Victoria Amu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Amu) – as well as with relevant regulatory bodies and professional associations. He stressed that curricula must meet academic and professional standards to ensure graduates possess the competencies required for effective service delivery.
The minister praised Dr Amu’s dedication to advancing these fields and expressed confidence that joint efforts among universities, professional bodies and regulators will accelerate programme rollout. He also assured that the reforms align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to boost human‑capital development, address workforce shortages and build a more inclusive higher‑education system capable of responding to Nigeria’s evolving needs.