Dotun Akande
(Centre Director)
Mrs. Dotun Akande is the Founder and Director of Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, (Patricks) Ikeja, Lagos.
It can rightly be said that she revolutionized the Autism awareness campaign in Nigeria. Today, Patricks stands tall as the pioneer Special Needs Centre for the education of children with Autism, offering services such as speech, occupational, music and behaviour therapy. The Centre also offers social skills building and play therapy using best practices. Mrs. Dotun Akande, with her cerebral team, have successfully worked with and integrated over 50 children into mainstream school system and has given employment to 4 adults with Autism even as she plans a new school facility that can accommodate and help more children and adults.
She qualified as a Behaviour Analyst from the Florida Institute of Technology USA. She is an advanced Certified Autism Specialist (ACAS), with Patricks being the first Nigerian Autism Centre to be registered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). She holds a diploma in School leadership from the Lagos Business School.
Mrs. Dotun Akande, a Cherie Blair Mentee, was also the Vlisco Woman for the years 2015 to 2017. An honour bestowed on her for the contributions she made to the growth of Autism awareness and management in Nigeria. Mrs Dotun Akande has also featured in the first Access Bank Plc “W Power of 100” and “WimBiz Inspire Me 2”, featuring leading Nigerian women who have excelled in their various endeavours. Her desire for continuous learning and improvement led her to enroll in the John Maxwell Leadership Program to enable her continue her national advocacy for the differently able.
Mrs. Dotun Akande is happily married with three children.
Funmilayo Enikanselu
(Head of Centre)
Funmilayo Enikanselu is a graduate of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, where she studied Office Technology and Management. She is so passionate about working with children with special needs since she came into the field in 2006. She has done a series of trainings both within and outside in the country such as Ghana and South Africa which has equipped her in assessing, working and supporting children with developmental disabilities.
She is a Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) and Certified Autism Specialist from International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). She has years of working experience with children with Autism and other related developmental disabilities. She is currently undergoing her post graduate diploma in education, and presently the ‘Head of the School’, Patrick Speech and Languages Centre.
Gbenga Kehinde
(Assistant Head of Centre - Program and Life Skill)
Gbenga Kehinde is a graduate of Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo, where he studied Music / Learning disability. He is certified to work in the field of Autism from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) as a Certified Autism Specialist
He has been working with PSLC since 2008 and he is presently the Assistant Head of School program and life skills
He has developed talents in some of the children living with Autism, in areas such as playing musical instruments and he has coordinated programs such as Talent in Autism show, free therapy outreach/consultation, art workshop / exhibition, creative talent exhibition, Autism awareness program, training, grant and so on.
He has attended several trainings and seminars in managing children living with Autism and other related developmental disorders which include RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) Autism Partnership Foundation, Design and Management of IEP, Profiling Sensory Deficits in Developing Children, Enabling Success for People with Special Needs.
Glory Uche Azu
(Assistant Head of Centre - Academics and Vocation)
Glory Uche Azu holds a B.S in Education from the University of Delta state. She is a trained Autism Specialist, with a badge of Autism Certification from International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
She has been working with PSLC since 2013 and she is presently the Assistant Head of School Academics and Vocation.
She has attended several trainings and seminars in managing children living with disabilities and in particular has specialized her skills and knowledge in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) some of which include RBT 40hrs of Training, Behaviorprise Consulting inc (BC) Toronto, Canada, using ABA principles, Special education on Gemiini Academy and, Wilbarger Brushing Protocols.
She pioneers the management of our vocational unit (Gazelle studio) and continues to support our young adults in their Job placement.
Mrs. Esther Onabulu
Esther Onabulu is a graduate of Psychology from Ambrose Alli University, Edo State, Nigeria. She is certified to work in the field of Autism from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) as an Autism Specialist
She started her career at PSLC in 2016, assisting individuals living with autism in social, behavioural, and academic skills. She is part of the assessment team, and in charge of Patrick Training Academy, and our digital parents training. A lead coordinator of our community outreach programme.
She has attended several trainings and seminars which include Pearson Assessment (80 Stand, London), Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) from Florida Tech, Understanding Autism, Asperger and ADHD (University of Derby), Mental Health for Individual Awareness (Autism Research Institute) etc.
She enjoys making people smile, and thriving in an organized environment.
Adewale Oseni
Adewale Oseni holds a National Diploma in accounting from Niger state polytechnic and Bachelor Degree in social work in view. He joined Patrick Speech and Languages Centre in 2016 and has been certified to work in the field of Autism from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) as an Autism Specialist and he is presently the head of the adult unit.
He has done series of trainings and seminars in managing children living with disabilities and in particular has specialized his skills and knowledge on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), some of which include: RBT Floridatech 40hrs Training, Master class advanced neurosensory strategies, Emotional Regulation Strategies, Using ABA principles to create enabling environments for people living with special needs.
He is an enthusiastic, self-motivated, responsible and hard working person. Also, he is a team worker and adaptable to any challenging situation.
Abimbola Erimona
(Head of Speech and Language Coordinator)
Abimbola Erimona holds a Post graduate diploma in Education from the University of Ibadan. She is a trained Speech and Language Support Therapist from ELKLAN UK and also a badge of Autism Certification from International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
She is presently working at PSLC as Speech and Language Coordinator.
She has attended several trainings and seminars in managing children living with disabilities and in particular has specialized her skills and knowledge on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) some of which include but not limited to: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Communication and Listening Skills, RBT Floridatech 40hrs Training, Speech and Language Difficulties.
Adeline Nwanganga-Nwambu (Mrs.)
(Assistant Speech and Language Coordinator)
Adeline Nwanganga-Nwambu (Mrs.) is a graduate of History and Strategies Studies from University of Lagos and obtained a Post graduate diploma in Education from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto. She is a badge of Autism Certification from International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
She started her career at Patricks in 2013 and has moved in various units. She was the lead coordinator of our COVID 19 response team to Patricks.
She currently assists the communication team in deploying our certification of Elklan’s Communication Friendly Setting Certification.
She has attended several trainings and seminars in managing children living with disabilities and in particular has specialized her skills and knowledge on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and also RBT Florida tech 40hrs Training.
She is a dedicated member of Patricks family.
Blessing Micheal Apkan
(Head of Domestic Support staff)
Blessing joined Patrick Speech and Languages Centre in the year 2017 where she trained on Self-Care Skills. Coupled with her high school degree, she excelled and did tremendously well in her unit which earned her the position of a Head, Domestic Support.
She continually employs her creative skills and abilities coupled with the training and experiences garnered as a caregiver to care for and nurture children, equipping them with skills and resources they need to grow; thereby impacting basic cultural values in them and ensuring their safety always.
Blessing till date is working and building her career in self care at Patrick Speech and Languages Centre.
Dr Michael Kayode Dada
(Consultant)
He has a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology, and is statutorily registered in the United Kingdom both as a clinical and forensic psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). He is a Chartered Member and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS), a full member of the BPS Division of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Learning Disability, and Faculty of Forensic Psychology.
He is a Senior Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, and a professional member of the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD). He is trained and licensed to use a number of specialist autism needs and diagnostic assessment tools (e.g. ADOS-2, AAA, DISCO etc), and tools for cognitive & adaptive/social skills functioning, emotional/affective characteristics and personality psychopathology, all of which can be adapted for use with people who have autism.
He has developed skills in adapting generic models of offence-related therapies for people with autism who also present with problems such as fire-setting/arson, sex offence/offending behaviour and addiction. He has practised across various care settings, both in Nigeria and UK, for over 30 years. He currently practise in the UK under the aegis of MKayD Services.
