FG, UBTH explore partnership on autism centres

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, and the Federal Ministry of Education are exploring areas of collaboration towards establishing 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 followed a visit to UBTH on Wednesday by a delegation of the Federal Ministry of Education’s Ministerial Committee on the Advancement of Audiology, Speech Therapy, Medical Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Clinical and Rehabilitative Psychology (NCAOTASTE).

Speaking during the visit, the chairman of the committee, Dr Victoria Amu, said the ministry was considering establishing 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 of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Emmanuel Osaigbovo, expressed the hospital’s willingness to explore the proposed partnership.

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

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