The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has announced a major initiative to transform autism care in Nigeria through expanded specialist training, targeted investments in tertiary institutions and the establishment of Autism Centres across the country’s six geopolitical zones. Alausa who made the announcement during an engagement with stakeholders, said the initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the nation’s shortage of highly skilled professionals in Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. He said the centres will provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, promote research and serve as regional centres of excellence supporting families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions. “In 2027, we will open Autism Centres across the six geopolitical zones. These centres will focus on diagnosis, therapy and research to better support the needs of our citizens,” he said.