The Nigerian Institute for Behavioural Science, Education and Care Professionals (NIsBEC) has officially commenced operations in Lagos State, 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.

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

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 that 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.

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.

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

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

Also, discussions at the event 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.