UBTH, Fed Education Ministry Explore Partnership On Autism Centers In Six Geopolitical Zones

by Idahosa Musa

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin Edo State and the Federal Ministry of Education have resolved to exploring areas of collaboration towards the establishment of specialised autism centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The proposed centres are expected to provide specialised healthcare services and professional support for persons with autism and related developmental conditions.

This development followed a visit to UBTH on Wednesday by a delegation of the ministry’s Ministerial Committee on the Advancement of Audiology, Speech Therapy, Medical Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Clinical and Rehabilitative Psychology (NCAOTASTE).

Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the committee, Dr. Victoria Amu, said the Federal Ministry of Education was considering the establishment of the centres across the six geopolitical zones, adding that their effective operation would require access to nearby healthcare facilities.

Amu identified UBTH, given its proximity to the University of Benin, as a potential healthcare partner for the proposed initiative.

The delegation was led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Benin, Prof. Christopher Osunbor.

Receiving the team on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Osaigbovo, expressed the hospital’s willingness to explore the proposed partnership.

He said UBTH had relevant facilities, specialised departments and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals whose expertise could support the initiative.

The engagement included a tour of relevant hospital facilities to assess existing infrastructure and their capacity to support the proposed centres.