Don task FG on mandatory psychological evaluation and Counselling interview for political aspirants in Nigeria
The Vice-Chancellor of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has advocated the need for the federal government, to institutionise mandatory psychological evaluation, and Counselling interview,for those seeking political offices, stating that the move enable the country overcome some social challenges confronting it.
Prof. Popoola made the statement while delivering the 147th Inaugural lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University ( OAU) Ile- Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, on Tuesday March 31,2026 at the Oduduwa Hall, in the University.
Delivering the lecture : "IN THE MULTITUDE OF COUNSELLORS, THERE IS SAFETY", the University Administrator explained that the title of the inaugural lecture " was inspired by the timeless wisdom of the Scripture, specifically from Proverb 11:14, which reads, " where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors, there is safety".
He stressed importance of counseling in society saying " counseling is not just a profession or an academic discipline, it is a divine ordinance and sacred duty established by God to guide mankind towards safety and self fulfillment ".
The University Administrator listed areas where counseling is useful to mankind to include its importance in nurturing of students in pursuits of knowledge, empowering of individuals to discover their purpose in life as well as strengthens families and equipping societies to flourish.
In addition, the don also stated that the need for guidance and counseling has become extremely important in contemporary society" because we live in an increasingly complex world".
Bemoaning what he observed as the under-utilisation, misunderstanding and insufficient integration of Counselling services into the academic framework of Nigerian educational system, the University Administrator said the development is due to the fact that " Counseling is still widely misunderstood as a helping profession".
As panacea, Prof. Popoola urged stakeholders in Nigeria education system to see counseling as a safe, stabilizing and directional force within the country's education landscape. In addition, he suggested the need for students at all levels of education in the country to be provided with effective counseling, self-management strategies, emotional regulations and coping skills as part of the formal curriculum, rather than remedial afterthoughts.
Similarly, the renowned scholar, also recommended that Counselling interventions" should not be restricted to secondary schools but extended to the Universities in order to meet students psychosocial challenges.
On how counseling could be used to address some social challenges confronting the Nigerian nation, in areas which he listed to include corruption, nepotism, misappropriation, embezzlement of public funds as well as kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings, abuse of power, greed and insecurity to mention but few, Prof. Popoola stated that the challenges could be resolved through provision of Counselling interventions by trained and experienced counsellors.
In addition, he harped on the need by the federal government to ensure that those aspiring for leadership positions are subjected to " structured Counselling ", stating that the move help in examining their motivations for seeking power, their value system, emotional maturity and mental capacity for decision making.
The well attended event which held at the Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile- Ife, climaxed with the presentation of certificate to Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola by the representative of the Vice-Chancellor OAU, Prof.Simeon Bamire.
Eminent personalities who attended the event included principal officers of AFUED including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao; Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede; Bursar, Mrs. Taiwo Adedoyin and the Librarian, Dr. Azino Akpokuriere.
Also present were one-time Provost of the defunct Adeyemi College of Education ( Now Adeyemi Federal University of Education Ondo), Prof. Olukoya Ogen; his successor, Prof. Samuel Akintunde as well as several senior academic and non- teaching staff of OAU Ile- Ife, AFUED and friends, relatives of Prof. Bayode Popoola among others.
