Nigeria will lead one of the world’s largest autism screening events on April 2, 2026, as part of activities marking World Autism Day, the Global Spokesperson of Sector-Wide-Approach (SWAp) Health Fellows, Ambassador Uyero Erarawewho, has announced.

Speaking on Thursday, Erarawewho said neurologists, state governments, schools, and parent groups across the country will unite to screen hundreds of children in a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness, supporting early diagnosis, and providing consultations for families.

The screenings will take place in teaching hospitals, community centres, university halls, government offices, schools, and parent group meeting rooms across almost all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Families will have access to free autism screenings and consultations.

The initiative, branded “Spark a Spectrum of Possibilities 2026,” aims to establish autism screening centres in Nigerian states and strengthen awareness, early intervention, and support for children with autism. It is coordinated by SWAp Health Fellows under the leadership of Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, whose national health transformation policies have expanded access to trained health professionals and improved primary healthcare across the country.

Erarawewho highlighted that the program connects 84 centres across 32 countries via a live broadcast, while emphasizing that its greatest impact will be felt locally in Nigeria. SWAp Fellows, trained in validated autism screening tools, will lead events at state-level centres. Participating institutions include the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Lagos, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Federal Medical Centre Katsina, and Bauchi State Teaching Hospital, among others.

The event also involves parent groups, NGOs, and community organizations across states such as Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Ogun, Imo, and Adamawa, ensuring broad community participation. Special education teachers and advocates will accompany children and families for screenings and support.

As part of the program, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 16-year-old autistic Guinness World Record holder, will complete a symbolic 500-kilometre cycling journey from Enugu to Lagos on April 2, representing the potential of children with autism when given support and opportunity.

The initiative is expected to provide early autism identification for thousands of Nigerian children and to advance policy dialogue on disability inclusion, with a planned roundtable at the National Assembly involving senators and lawmakers.

Erarawewho said the April 2 screenings mark a milestone in Nigeria’s health efforts, emphasizing early diagnosis and support as critical to improving outcomes for children with autism.

Spark a Spectrum of Possibilities 2026 combines community outreach, professional training, and policy engagement to create lasting impact for autistic children across Nigeria.