GTCO Autism Conference: Adako Urges Use of AI to Unlock Neurodiverse Learning

… Calls for Investment in Local, Inclusive Education Technologies

Executive Director of the Education for Autism Initiative, Oyeyemi Adako, has advocated the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool to enhance learning for children on the autism spectrum— especially in underserved communities.

Delivering a keynote titled “Unlocking Silent Potentials: Harnessing AI to Transform Autism Education” at the 15th Annual Autism Conference organized by Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) in Lagos, Adako challenged educators, developers, and policymakers to move beyond traditional learning models and embrace culturally relevant, inclusive technologies tailored to neurodiverse learners.

“AI can be the key that unlocks learning for millions of neurodiverse children—particularly where conventional models fall short,” she said, drawing a parallel to the story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. “We’re not talking about science fiction. We’re talking about using technology to see the learner—not just the diagnosis.”

Adako highlighted major gaps in Nigeria’s current education system, including overcrowded classrooms, rigid curricula, and a critical shortage of trained support staff. She posed a provocative question:“What if Nigerian developers built AI tools tailored for our context? What if every teacher had access to just one assistive tool? These are the real questions we must answer if we want to move from awareness to action.”

She closed her remarks with a four-point action plan:

1. Train more teachers in inclusive education methods.
2. Invest in offline-capable, locally developed AI tools.
3. Strengthen public-private partnerships.
4. Promote accessible technologies across both rural and urban schools.

In his opening address, GTCO’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Agbaje, reaffirmed the company’s longstanding commitment to autism inclusion through its Orange Ribbon Initiative.

“What began as a focused effort has grown into a movement,” Agbaje said. “This year’s theme, ‘From Awareness to Action’, calls us to go beyond conversation—to empowerment, innovation, and real change for neurodiverse individuals.”

Launched in 2009, the GTCO Autism Programme has evolved into a pan-African model for free autism support services, including consultations, therapy, teacher training, and research-led conferences.

This year’s event also featured expert insights from global authorities in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).UK-based Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst, Georgiana Koyama, stressed the need to foster inclusive environments that uphold dignity and psychological safety. “True inclusion is not about fitting in,” she said. “It’s about being seen, heard, and respected.”

Joining virtually from the U.S., Camiella Hay, Director of ABA Services at Owen Health Care, emphasized the importance of context-sensitive, strength-based approaches. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” she noted. “Global best practices must be adapted to local realities if we truly want to make an impact.”

The GTCO Autism Conference continues this week, drawing families, educators, health professionals, and advocates together to explore new frontiers in autism support. With its spotlight on AI and education, this year’s event reaffirms GTCO’s leadership in advancing inclusive development in Nigeria and across Africa.