TETFund: Ending The Long Search For Autism Care In Nigeria

Accessing appropriate autism care remains a major challenge for many Nigerian families, with delayed diagnosis, a shortage of specialised professionals and the high cost of treatment and rehabilitation leaving parents and caregivers struggling to find the support their children need.

In some cases, families have to travel long distances in search of facilities capable of providing appropriate assessments and interventions.

Against this, the Federal Ministry of Education, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is taking steps towards establishing international-standard autism centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The initiative is aimed at improving access to specialised care, strengthening research and training, and providing greater support for individuals with autism and their families.

The initiative took a significant step forward recently with the inauguration of the National Committee for the Establishment of International Standard Autism Centres in Abuja.

The committee is expected to develop a comprehensive framework for establishing the proposed centres in selected university medical schools, with the aim of creating a more coordinated and sustainable approach to autism care in Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch Sonny Echono, said the initiative would build on the gains of the fund’s Special High Impact Intervention for medical schools, which is upgrading infrastructure and equipment for training in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and related disciplines.

“On behalf of the Honourable Minister of Education, I am pleased to welcome you to the inauguration of the National Committee for the Establishment of International Standard Autism Centres in all six geopolitical zones of our country,” Echono said.

He explained that the proposed centres would provide early diagnosis, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, research and professional training, while promoting public awareness and supporting families and caregivers.

The plan shows a recognition that improving autism care requires more than establishing physical facilities. It also demands trained professionals, accessible diagnostic services, sustained research, community awareness and a healthcare system capable of responding to the different needs of individuals with autism.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals differently, particularly in communication, social interaction, behaviour and sensory processing. While the level of support required varies from person to person, timely identification and appropriate interventions can help individuals develop skills and participate more fully in everyday life.

However, accessing these services remains difficult for many Nigerian families, particularly those living far from specialised healthcare facilities. Limited availability of trained professionals, financial constraints and inadequate awareness can delay assessments and make it harder for parents to understand their children’s developmental needs.

The Chairperson of the National Committee, Professor Ebunoluwa Aderonke Adejuyigbe, a paediatrician and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, drew attention to these challenges, describing the assignment as particularly important because of the experiences of families raising children with autism.

“As a paediatrician who has devoted several decades to the health and well-being of children, I consider this assignment particularly significant.

“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,” she said.

Adejuyigbe said the inauguration represented the beginning of efforts to establish a more coordinated, accessible and sustainable system for autism care, research and community support in Nigeria.

Adejuyigbe identified clinical services and early intervention as one of the major priorities, explaining that the centres should provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary and family-centred services, including early identification, developmental assessment, appropriate interventions and continuous support.

“Every individual with autism is unique, and our services must recognise and respond to these differences,” she said.

Such an approach, she said would bring together paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, special educators and other relevant professionals to assess individual needs and provide appropriate support.

According to her, it would also enable families to receive better guidance on available interventions and how to support their children’s development at home, in school and within their communities.

Beyond clinical care, the proposed centres are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to research into autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.

Adejuyigbe noted that the research must form a central part of their mandate, particularly in generating evidence that reflects the experiences and circumstances of Nigerians.

“Globally, the causes of autism are not yet fully understood, and researchers continue to investigate the factors involved. Nigeria must be part of this global effort,” she said.

She called for locally relevant studies into genetic, biological, prenatal, perinatal and environmental factors that may influence neurodevelopment, as well as research to establish a clearer understanding of autism prevalence in the country.

LEADERSHIP report that trough university teaching hospitals and research institutions, the centres could provide opportunities for researchers to investigate autism within Nigerian communities and generate evidence to inform public policy and improve clinical practice.

Speaking further, she warned that infrastructure and equipment alone could not guarantee quality care without deliberate investment in training and capacity building. “Infrastructure and equipment alone cannot deliver quality services,” she said.

Adejuyigbe stressed that sustainability should be considered from the outset, warning against creating facilities that attract attention at inauguration but struggle to remain functional because of inadequate funding, poor maintenance or shortages of skilled personnel.

“We do not want centres that flourish at inauguration but struggle to survive thereafter,” she said.

Senate C’ttee Chair Backs TETFund’s Research, Innovation Drive

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Senator Muntari Dandutse, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting research, innovation and improved funding for tertiary education.

Dandutse stated this at the national retreat organised by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) on the effective implementation of the dual mandate for Colleges of Education in Nigeria in Abuja.

He said the policy was timely, noting that it would strengthen teacher education, promote innovation and improve the utilisation of educational resources across the country’s federal Colleges of Education.

He also noted that the National Assembly was determined to support policies that would improve the education sector, stressing that education remained fundamental to national development.

“The dual mandate is timely because innovative systems are being aligned to ensure the effective utilisation of the educational system in all federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is blessed, but we need to work very hard because it is only through education that we can achieve sustainable development. As lawmakers, we are determined to support education so that we can build a brighter nation and secure a better future for the country,” he said.

The senator said the National Assembly was prepared to provide the necessary legislative backing for policies designed to strengthen tertiary education and bring the country’s educational system in line with international standards.

He noted that advances in artificial intelligence, research and technological innovation had made it imperative for Nigeria to strengthen its educational institutions and invest more in knowledge production.

According to him, countries that have made significant progress in innovation and technological development have relied on strong educational systems and sustained investment in research

.“No country can thrive without educational support. Innovation and invention depend largely on the strength of the educational system, and Nigeria must position its institutions to meet international standards,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the funding challenges facing the country’s education sector, noting that improved investment would enable institutions to conduct research, develop innovations and produce solutions to national problems.

The senator added that the increasing adoption of digital technology in different sectors made it necessary for educational institutions to embrace modern systems and prepare students for emerging opportunities.

He said the 10th National Assembly, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, remained committed to creating more opportunities within the education sector through legislative interventions and support for relevant policies.

He also commended TETFund for its contributions to the development of tertiary education, particularly in infrastructure, research and innovation.

The Committee Chair said the Fund’s responsibilities extended beyond the provision of physical infrastructure to supporting research-driven initiatives capable of generating new knowledge, encouraging technological advancement and improving the country’s development prospects.

He called for sustained investment in research and innovation, noting that institutions needed adequate resources to develop ideas and translate research findings into practical solutions.

“TETFund is working very hard, not only in infrastructural development but also to ensure that research-based and innovative systems are developed in line with international standards.

“If education is adequately funded, I believe research findings can be commercialised, exported and utilised for the betterment of the country,” he added.