The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Oyeyemi Patricia Adako

  • Researcher spotlight AI’s role in transforming autism education

    Researcher spotlight AI’s role in transforming autism education

    Renowned autism advocate and internationally published education researcher, Oyeyemi Patricia Adako, is set to deliver a keynote address on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in autism education at the upcoming Orange Ribbon Initiative Conference in Lagos, scheduled for July 15–16, 2025.

    Themed “From Awareness to Action,” the conference marks 15 years of advancing autism inclusion in Nigeria and will bring together experts, educators, and families to explore practical solutions that support children with autism.

    Adako, Executive Director of the Education for Autism Initiative (EAI), will headline the conference with a keynote titled, “Unlocking Silent Potentials: Harnessing AI to Transform Autism Education.”

    Her address will explore how AI technologies are reshaping learning experiences for autistic children by offering adaptive, inclusive, and personalised education tools.

    The Orange Ribbon Initiative, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project of Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, is one of Africa’s leading platforms promoting autism awareness and action.

    Organisers have described Adako’s participation as a major highlight, praising her “rare blend of academic expertise, global perspective, and heartfelt commitment.”

    READ ALSO: Six dead, three missing in Navy boat mishap

    A graduate of Anglia Ruskin University, UK, with a Master’s in Education, Adako specialises in curriculum development, assistive technology, and inclusive education.

    Her internationally recognised research focuses on integrating AI into learning for neurodivergent children, and her upcoming book, Smart Learning: AI Tools for Autistic Education, will be published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing, UK.

    In addition to her research and classroom impact, Adako is an influential policy advocate pushing for reforms that protect the educational rights of children with autism.

    She has trained teachers across Nigeria and abroad and led collaborative efforts for systemic change.

    “My vision is a world where every autistic child, no matter their background, has access to empowering, personalised education,” she said.

    Adako will speak alongside global experts, including Camiella Hay, a board-certified behaviour analyst from New Jersey, USA, and Lanre Duyile, President of Behaviorprise Consulting Inc., Canada.

  • Ekiti teacher inspires change for autistic children

    Ekiti teacher inspires change for autistic children

    Oyeyemi Patricia Adako, a passionate teacher at the University Demonstration Secondary School in Ikere Ekiti, shines as a beacon of hope for children with autism.

    With a bachelor’s degree in French from Ekiti State University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Teachers Institute in Kaduna, Nigeria, Mrs. Adako has redirected her career towards a noble cause.

    Her unwavering commitment to the welfare of autistic children is fueled by her belief that every child deserves care, love, and a place in society.

    Her journey began at the grassroots level, teaching elementary and high school students in her hometown of Ikere Ekiti. It was here that Mrs. Adako became acutely aware of the daily struggles faced by autistic children. She witnessed their segregation and marginalization, even as their unique talents and potential shone through.

    Moved by their plight, she felt a compelling urge to advocate for these children, recognizing the pressing need for a shift in societal perceptions and innovative solutions to help them thrive.

    As her passion intensified, she pursued an advanced degree in education and sought to integrate technological advancements into her efforts. Seeing the potential of tech-driven solutions, she envisioned a future where artificial intelligence could enhance the learning experiences of autistic children, making education more inclusive and effective.

    “This strong dedication led me to the United Kingdom, where I enrolled at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford to earn a Master of Arts in Education, focusing on using artificial intelligence to advocate for autistic children,” Mrs. Adako shared in a virtual interview with our correspondent.

    She continued, “My pursuit of this degree was about equipping myself with the knowledge and skills to enact meaningful change in Nigeria’s educational system.” With her practical experience and advanced training, she is now poised to design policies that will address the challenges faced by autistic children, ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they truly deserve.

    After dedicating her graduation from Anglia Ruskin University to God and her family’s unwavering support, she stated, “My achievement will not only make me a role model but also a catalyst for change in Nigeria. With my education and experience, I aim to contribute significantly to developing policies for inclusive education, especially for children with autism in Nigeria.”

    Mrs. Adako aspires to continue her advocacy, ensuring these children are recognized and uplifted in a world that often overlooks their remarkable potential.

    Empowered by her master’s degree in education and extensive research experience, Mrs. Adako is set to return to Nigeria as the Executive Director of Education for Autism Initiative. She aims to leverage this position to further her advocacy and research in autism education.