Founder and Director of the Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, Mrs. Dotun Akande has called for a overhaul of Nigeria’s educational system, arguing that the current academic model fails to accommodate the unique needs of autistic children.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at The Alternative Bank’s Maiden Autism Stakeholders Roundtable and Policy Dialogue, Akande emphasized that the nation’s overreliance on rote learning and standardized examinations alienates neurodiverse learners and leaves them ill-equipped for the labor market.
She advocated for a strategic transition toward vocational training and talent development, urging policymakers to mandate vocational components in care pathways starting from primary school.
The high-level dialogue, held in partnership with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) and the Sterling One Foundation, underscored that functional independence for autistic individuals depends on nurturing specific strengths such as data analysis, information technology, and creative arts.
Akande maintained that the educational system must move beyond mere awareness and toward a framework that prizes employability and unique skill sets over traditional core academics.
Supporting this systemic shift, participants highlighted the necessity of replacing ad-hoc philanthropy with sustainable financial structures.
Experts at the event also called for the inclusion of autism screening and therapy within the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and proposed a blended financing model that combines government funding with private-sector innovation.
Dr. Ime Okon of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria reinforced this point, stating that medical protocols must be supported by the fiscal infrastructure and legislation necessary to sustain long-term interventions.
In response to these calls for reform, The Alternative Bank unveiled a three-pillar intervention agenda focused on scaling high-impact inclusive education programs.
The Bank’s Executive Director, Korede Demola-Adeniyi stated that the bank is committed to breaking the cycle of words without action by launching a capacity-building program on Receptive Language Disorder in partnership with Eliakim Global Resources.
By targeting early developmental markers and fostering inclusive classroom environments, the bank aims to eliminate legislative bottlenecks and provide practical support that moves autistic children toward a future of self-sufficiency.