Experts Call for Mental Health Screening for Politicians as Clinical Psychologists Honour New Fellows
The Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP) on Friday held its 2025 Annual National Congress and Scientific Conference in Abuja, where new fellows of the association were decorated and conferred with fellowship awards.
The event, themed “Mental Health Emergency in Nigeria: The Role of Clinical Psychologists,” brought together experts and practitioners from across the country to discuss emerging issues in mental health practice and advocacy.
In his welcome address, the President of NACP, Prof. Gboyega Emmanuel Abikoye, described the theme as both apt and timely, given the growing prevalence of mental health challenges in Nigeria. “We indeed have a mental health emergency on our hands, and it is good that the conversation at this year’s congress is centered around it,” he said.
Delivering the lead paper, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani urged the government to engage clinical psychologists in national policymaking, particularly in screening politicians appointed to public offices to ensure they are mentally fit for leadership. He also called for the integration of psychological services at all levels of the health system.
Among those decorated as fellows of the association was Dr. Pamela Arnold Udoka, who is the Acting National Publicity Secretary of NACP. She expressed her joy at being conferred with the fellowship after years of professional dedication.
Dr. Udoka, whose passion for children’s mental health inspired her transition from Theatre Arts to Clinical Psychology, shared her academic and professional journey, including earning degrees from the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan, and completing internships at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospitals in Yaba, Lagos and Aro, Abeokuta. She also expressed gratitude to her husband for his support.
Another awardee, Dr. Japhet Makama Ayele, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 14 years of experience, said the fellowship comes with a renewed sense of responsibility. “This recognition reinforces my commitment to the profession,” he stated.
Similarly, Dr. Casmir Nnaemeka, a chief medical therapist and rehabilitator, said the honour would further motivate him to work harder in advancing the field of clinical psychology.
Also speaking, the President of the Pan African Psychology Union, Prof. Andrew Zamani, commended the NACP for its professionalism and consistency, describing it as one of the most organised professional bodies on the continent.
The conference ended with a renewed call for stronger collaboration among mental health professionals, government agencies, and policymakers to address Nigeria’s growing mental health crisis.
