The President of the Positive Psychology Association of Nigeria (PoPAN), Prof. Adebayo Oluwole, has called on scholars, practitioners and the broader psychological community to move beyond theory and engage actively with Nigeria’s evolving mental health landscape.

Oluwole made this call at the second biennial conference of the association themed, ‘Thriving in a Changing World: Harnessing Resilience and Connection’, held at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) Epe Campus, to commemorate the 2025 Day of the African Child.

The conference brought together academics, mental health professionals and policy advocates to explore how positive psychology can help Nigerians adapt and thrive in a changing world.

Oluwole praised the increasing integration of positive psychological principles, such as gratitude, hope, and purpose, into Nigerian research, education, and practice since the association was founded in 2020.

“This conference is more than a gathering of minds; it is a space for renewal,” Oluwole said. “Our mission is not just to understand how individuals thrive, but to use that knowledge to make a tangible impact in communities across Nigeria.”

He highlighted key challenges still facing the country, such as rising mental health concerns, growing social isolation, and the emotional struggles of Nigerian youth. “We are called to action. To inform practice with science, to listen deeply, to promote dignity and equity, and to ensure our systems support holistic well-being,” he said.