Babcock University Professor Calls for Amendment of Mental Health Act

Professor Titilayo Aderibigbe, a Professor of Medical Law at Babcock University, has called for an amendment to the Mental Health Act 2023. The proposed amendment aims to incorporate traditional mental health healers into the nation’s healthcare system.

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The call was made during the 46th inaugural lecture of the institution, where Professor Aderibigbe delivered a lecture titled ‘Engagement with the Human Body: Searching Through the Prism of Law to Shape the Future’. She argued that the amendment would not only expand but also improve Nigeria’s healthcare system.

While the current Mental Health Act seeks to protect individuals with mental health illnesses from abuse, violence, and torture, it does not consider the role of traditional mental health healers. These healers, according to Professor Aderibigbe, provide about 80% of healthcare in Nigeria.

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Research has shown that most of these traditional mental health healers provide therapy that aligns with the cultural belief system. “Therefore, I am advocating that the Nigerian government incorporates traditional healers into our healthcare system through a rigorous vetting and genuine intention to expand and improve our healthcare through the amendment of Mental Health Act 2023”, she said.

In addition, Professor Aderibigbe suggested a more practical way to protect adolescent victims of sexual abuse. She proposed regular training and retraining for officers who prosecute rape cases in court.

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While commending the Lagos State government for its efforts in the reporting process of gender-based abuse, she called on other state governments to establish special offices for members of the public to report rapes anonymously.