AFUED VC Advocates Mandatory Psychological Screening for Political Aspirants in Nigeria

The Vice-Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has called on the Federal Government to institutionalise mandatory psychological evaluation and counselling interviews for individuals seeking political office in Nigeria.

He made the recommendation while delivering the 147th inaugural lecture of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on March 31, 2026, at the Oduduwa Hall, where he examined the role of counselling in addressing societal and governance challenges.

In the lecture titled “In the Multitude of Counsellors, There is Safety,” Prof. Popoola argued that structured counselling frameworks could serve as a critical tool for assessing the emotional stability, value systems, and decision-making capacity of political aspirants.

He maintained that such measures would help address persistent national challenges, including corruption, abuse of power, insecurity, and governance failures, by ensuring that individuals in leadership positions are psychologically and ethically equipped.

Describing counselling as more than a professional discipline, the academic characterised it as a foundational mechanism for guiding individuals and societies toward stability and self-fulfilment. He stressed its relevance in education, family development, and national growth, noting that its role has become increasingly critical in a complex and rapidly changing world.

The Vice-Chancellor also expressed concern over what he described as the underutilisation and misinterpretation of counselling services within Nigeria’s education system. He called for a more structured integration of counselling into academic curricula at all levels, including universities, to address students’ psychosocial needs.

He recommended that counselling be repositioned as a proactive and strategic tool rather than a reactive intervention, with emphasis on equipping students with emotional regulation, self-management, and coping skills.

According to him, extending counselling services across educational institutions and governance structures would contribute significantly to social stability and national development.

The event concluded with the presentation of a certificate to Prof. Popoola on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Simeon Bamire, and was attended by senior academic and administrative officials, including principal officers of Adeyemi Federal University of Education and other dignitaries from the academic community.