NUC urged universities to go into autism research

Speaking at a one-day seminar in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NUC Professor Julius Okojie said the commission was ready to assist with funds in this regard.“Already, there is about three billion naira research grants available for institutes to access to enable them indulge in researches for the benefit of mankind,” he said.According to him, […]

Speaking at a one-day seminar in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NUC Professor Julius Okojie said the commission was ready to assist with funds in this regard.
“Already, there is about three billion naira research grants available for institutes to access to enable them indulge in researches for the benefit of mankind,” he said.
According to him, there was great need for sensitisation and awareness on the issue with a view to creating attitudinal change.
In her presentation, a Consultant Family Physician and Chief Executive Officer Autism Care and Support Initiative, Dr. Julia Ejiogu, said about 503,000 children in the country were diagnosed with autism.
She described the figure as alarming, calling for enhanced collaboration with a view to reducing autism cases in the country.
She said that early detection and care would help in the rehabilitation of those affected, adding that specialised schools are also needed for the teaching of the affected children because of their behavioural disorder.