Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa has called on Nigerian tertiary institutions to establish specialized degree courses in fields such as audiology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, clinical psychology, and medical social work to combat growing staff shortages.
Alausa said expanding training in the fields would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to provide specialised healthcare and social services while creating more employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to establishing autism centres across the six geopolitical zones to improve access to diagnosis, therapy and support for persons on the autism spectrum and their families.
According to a statement issued by his media adviser, Ikharo Attah, Alausa called on vice-chancellors to align their academic programmes with national workforce requirements and the growing demand for specialised professional services.
He said the proposed programmes would help bridge gaps in specialist care, reduce reliance on external expertise and develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting the country’s needs.
The planned autism centres are expected to serve as regional hubs for diagnosis, therapeutic services and research, while supporting families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions.
Alausa said the initiatives aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen human capital development and improve service delivery.
He commended Dr Victoria Amu, chairman of the Federal Government committee on the advancement of audiology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, for her commitment to the initiative.
The minister urged university administrators to work with Amu, relevant regulatory agencies and professional bodies to develop the proposed programmes and ensure that training meets appropriate academic and professional standards.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to building an inclusive higher education system that equips graduates with relevant skills and expands access to essential specialised services.
What You Should Know
The Federal Government is pushing Nigerian universities to start specialized training for critical healthcare professions that currently face severe shortages in the country. Alongside this, plans are underway to establish dedicated autism centers across all six geopolitical zones to make diagnosis and support easier for families.
- Positive Impact: Creates new job opportunities for young graduates, reduces the heavy cost of seeking specialized care abroad, and makes autism support more accessible locally.
- Potential Concerns: The success of this initiative depends heavily on proper funding, cooperation from university administrators, and the availability of qualified instructors to teach these specialized courses.
