Mental health support, emotional wellbeing, and the expanding role of counselling in contemporary society took centre stage as the 2026 Conference of the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON), Lagos Chapter, commenced at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
The two-day conference, themed “Counselling for Mental Health and Wellness,” provided a platform for counsellors, academics, researchers, mental health professionals, and stakeholders to explore strategies for advancing counselling practice and promoting mental health awareness across society.
The event began with an opening ceremony which had in attendance distinguished guests and stakeholders from the education and counselling sectors such as Professor Ngozi Osarenren of the Faculty of Education, UNILAG and the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr. Hakeem B. Shittu, who was represented by the Director, Co-Curriculum, LASUBEB, Mr. Steven Abiodun Avoseh.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe who represented the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, noted that the conference theme resonates strongly with growing global conversations on mental health and wellness.
She observed that increasing economic pressures, emotional stress, and prevailing societal challenges have heightened the need for counselling support and stronger mental health advocacy. According to her, many individuals and families are grappling with emotional strain, uncertainty, and other mental health concerns, making professional counselling services more critical than ever.
The seasoned administrator encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to building a more supportive, emotionally resilient, and mentally healthy society.
She further charged counselling professionals to remain active agents of change by promoting empathy, emotional support systems, and mental health awareness within their various spheres of influence.
“At the University of Lagos, we remain proud to identify with initiatives that promote human development, emotional wellness, and societal progress,” she stated.
Delivering the keynote address, a Counselling Psychologist at Lagos State University (LASU), Professor A. O. Badejo, extensively examined the conference theme, while highlighting the psychological and emotional impact of the current economic climate on citizens.
She noted that increasing financial pressures, unemployment, social anxiety, and uncertainty have contributed significantly to rising mental health challenges across different age groups.
Professor Badejo, a leading expert in youth behavioural modification, trauma counselling, and girl-child development, emphasised that counselling has become more important than ever. She explained that beyond academic and institutional settings, professional counselling now serves as an essential support mechanism for individuals coping with emotional trauma, family pressures, workplace stress, and mental fatigue.
She called for stronger collaboration among counsellors, government institutions, educational establishments, and communities to deepen mental health education and make counselling services more accessible to the public.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman of APROCON, Lagos Chapter, Dr. O. O. Longe, described the conference theme as both timely and relevant in addressing contemporary societal realities. She expressed appreciation to members, partners, and stakeholders whose contributions made the conference possible.
Dr. Longe urged participants to take full advantage of the conference sessions and activities, noting that the programme would provide valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, professional development, and networking.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, UNILAG, Professor Simeon Adebayo Oladipo, described mental health as fundamental to effective learning and healthy social development. He expressed confidence that the conference would contribute significantly to strengthening counselling education and promoting greater awareness of emotional wellbeing within schools and the wider society.
Following the opening ceremony, the conference continued with paper presentations, technical sessions, and professional engagements focused on advancing counselling practice and promoting mental health and wellness across society.
The Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON) is a professional body dedicated to advancing counselling practice, mental health advocacy, and counsellor education across Nigeria.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Michael Joshua
