The Association of Nigerian Educational Psychologists (ANEP) gathered educators, psychologists, therapists, researchers, parents, and school leaders from across the globe for the inaugural African Neurodiversity Conference (TANC), held on October 20–21, 2026, at Children’s International School in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Centred on the theme “Shifting Minds, Implementing Actions,” the two-day summit focused on converting growing public awareness of neurodiversity into tangible, practical support for neurodivergent children, young people, and adults across schools, families, workplaces, and communities.
ANEP noted that while public conversations around autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other learning differences are expanding in Nigeria, many families, educational institutions, and organizations still lack the practical tools, training, and structures needed to deliver effective support.
Underlining the mandate of the event, ANEP President and conference host, Mrs. Eniola Shakirah Ayinde-Olajobi, emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between awareness and implementation.
“TANC 2026 is intended to help close the gap between awareness and meaningful intervention,” Ayinde-Olajobi noted. “We have talked about awareness for years. The question now is: what are we going to do differently? TANC is about moving beyond conversations to practical strategies, collaboration, and action that can make a real difference.”
The conference featured an esteemed lineup of international and local experts, including Prof. Julie Washington, Dean of Education at the University of California; Dr. Martin Bloomfield of UK-based Beyond Inclusion; and Prof. Bolanle Olawuyi of the University of Ilorin. The panel explored critical dimensions of neurodiversity—ranging from early assessment, advocacy, and inclusion strategies to family support systems and institutional policy reform.
Beyond professional discussions, the conference actively engaged the next generation through a dedicated Young Minds Forum, designed to empower students to become inclusion advocates among their peers. Participating schools were also encouraged to establish ongoing neurodiversity clubs to maintain advocacy momentum long after the event.
Additional sessions gave parents a platform to share lived experiences and addressed the daily operational challenges schools face in identifying and accommodating learners with diverse developmental needs.
Through TANC, ANEP aims to build an active, well-equipped community of educators, families, and professionals committed to creating more inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals across Africa.
