The Nigerian Institute for Behavioural Science, Education and Care Professionals (NIsBEC) has officially commenced operations in Lagos, with a mandate to strengthen professional standards, certification and ethical practice in behavioural science, special education and allied care services.

The institute, established as a central professional body for practitioners in the sector, said it would promote competency, transparency, professional development, public awareness and evidence-based practice while advancing knowledge and improving individual and societal wellbeing.

Speaking at the flag-off, a member of the Board of Directors and Trustees of NIsBEC, Dr Eziafakaku Nwokolo, said the institute would serve as a hub for innovation, research and professional development.

“Our goal is to empower practitioners, influence policy, and create a platform for research and knowledge exchange that will transform behavioural science, special education and care in Nigeria,” Nwokolo said.

NIsBEC said its establishment was particularly important given the growing number of Nigerians living with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning difficulties and other special educational needs who depend on professionals and paraprofessionals for education, therapy, behavioural intervention and daily support.

According to the institute, the quality of such services can have a significant impact on the learning, development and wellbeing of beneficiaries, making it necessary for families, employers and other stakeholders to have confidence in the competence and ethical standing of practitioners.

It said NIsBEC would provide a unified system for establishing competency standards, verifying training, promoting ethical conduct and maintaining a reliable professional registry across the sector.

Also speaking, another member of the Board of Directors and Trustees, Mrs Daisy Jonathan, stressed the need for stronger professional standards and certification for care professionals.

Jonathan said NIsBEC currently provides certification pathways across four broad areas — behavioural science, special education, allied health and care — with certification categorised into paraprofessional, professional and advanced professional practice.

“NIsBEC currently provides certification pathways across four broad areas: behavioural science, special education, allied health and care categorized into paraprofessional, professional and advanced professional practice,” she said.

She added that the certification system would place emphasis on professional competence, integrity, respect, informed consent, confidentiality, safeguarding, collaboration and person-centred practice.

Professionals who successfully complete the certification process will receive full NIsBEC certification and be entered into the NIsBEC Certificant Registry, which the institute said would be publicly accessible to enable employers, organisations, families and other stakeholders verify the certification status of practitioners.

The launch attracted professionals from occupational therapy, behavioural science, healthcare and education, as well as government officials, parents, care providers and media representatives.

Discussions at the event also focused on research and advocacy, with the institute pledging to support behavioural research and advocate policies capable of strengthening mental health and educational systems.

NIsBEC further highlighted plans to build partnerships with schools, hospitals, universities and care organisations, alongside community workshops, outreach programmes and awareness campaigns aimed at expanding access to quality behavioural health and special education services countrywide.