The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has urged vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities to introduce degree programmes in Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Clinical Psychology and Medical Social Work to address critical manpower shortages and improve access to specialised healthcare and social services.
Alausa also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to establishing autism centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to expand access to diagnosis, therapeutic services, research and support for persons on the autism spectrum and their families.
In a statement by his Special Adviser Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the minister said universities must align their academic programmes with national workforce needs and emerging societal demands, stressing that training more professionals in specialised fields would help bridge critical skills gaps, strengthen local service delivery and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
He noted that expanding academic offerings in these areas would improve Nigeria’s capacity to provide essential specialised services locally and reduce the shortage of qualified professionals in healthcare and related social services.
The proposed autism centres are expected to serve as regional hubs for diagnosis, therapy, research and collaboration among families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions.
Alausa said the initiatives align with the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen human capital development, improve service delivery and build a higher education system that responds to national priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister commended Dr Victoria Amu, chairman of the Federal Government Committee on the Advancement of Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, for her commitment and dedication to advancing the specialised fields.
He urged vice-chancellors and other university administrators to collaborate with Amu, relevant regulatory agencies and professional bodies to facilitate the introduction of the proposed degree programmes and ensure that training meets established academic and professional standards.
Alausa reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to reforms that expand access to relevant education, strengthen institutional capacity and equip Nigerians with the specialised skills required to meet the country’s growing healthcare and social service needs.
