The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has urged vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities to prioritise high-demand degree programmes, particularly in specialised healthcare and social services, to address critical manpower shortages and expand employment opportunities for graduates.
Alausa specifically called on universities to establish programmes in Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Clinical Psychology and Medical Social Work, stressing the need to align academic offerings with emerging societal needs and the demand for specialised professional services.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr. Ikharo Attah, said the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to establishing Autism Centres across the six geopolitical zones to improve access to specialised care and support for persons on the autism spectrum and their families.
He said expanding training in the identified fields would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to provide essential services locally, bridge gaps in specialist care and develop a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the population.
The planned Autism Centres are expected to provide access to diagnosis, therapeutic services and research, while serving as regional hubs for families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions.
The initiative, according to the minister, reflects the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen local capacity and improve support for persons with autism and related developmental conditions.
Alausa commended the chairman of the Federal Government Committee for the Advancement of Audiology, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy, Dr Victoria Amu, for her passion and dedication to duty.
He urged vice-chancellors and other university administrators to work closely with Amu, relevant regulatory agencies and professional bodies to facilitate the development of the proposed programmes and ensure that training meets appropriate academic and professional standards.
The minister also assured stakeholders that the Federal Government would continue to implement reforms aimed at expanding access to relevant education, strengthening institutional capacity and promoting skills development in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a responsive and inclusive higher education system that addresses critical manpower gaps, equips Nigerians with relevant skills and expands access to essential specialised services.
The initiatives form part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen human capital development, improve service delivery and ensure that Nigeria’s education system responds effectively to national priorities and citizens’ needs.
