The Chartered Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (CICN) has empowered 97 mental health and clinical family coaching professionals as part of efforts to address the country’s growing emotional and psychological challenges.

Executive Director of CICN, Dr Tolulope Oko-Igaire, said the initiative was driven by concern over Nigeria’s rising mental health crisis, which she described as requiring urgent and structured professional intervention. She explained that the graduation ceremony went beyond academic achievement, representing a national call to action on mental wellbeing.

The event held in Lagos attracted health practitioners, captains of industry, students and other stakeholders from across the country. “Today is not just a celebration. Nigeria is facing a silent mental health crisis, yet less than one per cent of Nigerians are aware that they can access professional psychological support,” Oko-Igaire said.

She cautioned Nigerians against relying on untrained social media advisers and religious figures for emotional support, stressing that counselling is a scientific, ethical and evidence-based profession. According to her, counselling is not about dispensing personal opinions but about people-centred and professionally guided interventions.

Oko-Igaire noted that while many Nigerians turn to religious houses when faced with emotional challenges, trained therapists are often overlooked. “Religious leaders love you, but the therapist understands your mind. Doctors take care of your body; therapists take care of your mind,” she added.

Registrar of the Institute, Sunday Olaitan, urged the newly inducted counsellors to uphold ethics and strong character in their professional practice. He said clients would entrust them with their fears, vulnerabilities and life decisions, noting that ethical conduct would ultimately define their credibility and effectiveness.

Earlier, Chairman of the Board of CICN, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, charged the graduands to uphold professional standards and see themselves as agents of social healing. He said Africa needs not just professionals but conscious healers equipped to restore dignity, rebuild identity and guide others toward emotional wholeness.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the best graduating student, Chidinma Abiakalam, said the training transformed her understanding of counselling. She explained that counselling is often misunderstood as mere conversation, whereas it is a structured and ethical practice rooted in understanding human psychology and developing coping strategies rather than simply giving advice.

Another graduand, clergy member George Oluwaseun, described professional counselling as a healthier alternative to fear-based approaches. He said counselling promotes listening, clarity and responsibility rather than threats or coercion, enabling individuals to recognise the consequences of their choices and effect meaningful change.

The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary fellowships on notable Nigerians, including former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Dr (Mrs) Laila St Matthew-Daniel, in recognition of their outstanding service to society.
CICN reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to mental health services through subsidised and pro-bono counselling programmes, positioning the new graduates as frontline professionals in tackling Nigeria’s emotional and psychological challenges.