A total of two hundred and twenty (220) students of the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG), were on Friday, August 1, 2025, inducted into the student membership cadre of the Nigeria Psychological Association, Lagos State Chapter.
The induction ceremony which is the first of its kind in the history of the department, held at the Faculty of Social Sciences, UNILAG, and was graced by Faculty members as well as the crème de la crème of the Nigeria Psychological Association who all converged to identify with the one hundred and fifty (150) undergraduate and seventy (70) Postgraduate inductees.
The event, according to the Head of Department of Psychology, UNILAG, Dr. Bolajoko Malomo, heralds the journey of the inductees as professional psychologists.
While congratulating the inductees, Dr. Malomo challenged them to reflect on the lessons gathered so far in their years of academic tutelage, reflect on the current state of practice of psychology in Nigeria and brace up to make the desired impacts.
Also in his remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Adelaja Odukoya congratulated the inductees. He described the ceremony as a rebirth and a clarion call which should spur the inductees into global action.
While charging the new inductees to guard their loins for the demands of their profession, Prof. Odukoya particularly implored them to epitomize the spirit of strength, dignity, forthrightness and excellence which UNILAG stands for.
The event featured a keynote address by Professor David Okurame who recently joined the service of the Department of Psychology, UNILAG from the University of Ibadan.
Prof. Okurame, in his presentation titled: “Shaping the Future”, spoke on the potentials of Psychology in restoring sanity into all spheres of the Nigerian state. He assured the new inductees of a professional identity and network, access to continuous education, certification as well as licensing by virtue of their membership of the Nigeria Psychological Association.
The keynote speaker tasked the new inductees on the need to embrace value, be involved in all activities of the association and immerse themselves in promoting the relevance of the association through solution driven research efforts.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the formal induction of the inductees into the student membership cadre of the Nigeria Psychological Association, as conducted by the National President of the association, Professor Olukayode Afolabi who was assisted by the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Silvester Atiri.
In his remarks shortly before administering the induction oath, Professor Afolabi said “a lot is being done to broaden the scope and relevance of Psychology with a view to giving new comers a better lease of life”.
He assured the new inductees of a rich network of professionals to leverage on when needed and charged them to join hands with the association’s hierarchy in protecting and promoting the integrity of the Nigeria Psychological Association.
Also in his remarks, the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Psychological Association, Dr. Silvester Atiri emphasized the indispensability of Psychology in achieving good mental health and a balanced life.
He explained that the association deliberately revised its undergraduate membership requirement from 100 level to 400 level to safeguard the integrity of its certification process and prevent impostors from gaining unauthorized recognition.
Responding on behalf of the new inductees, Theophil Ozoigbo appreciated the rank and file of the Department of Psychology, University of Lagos and the Nigerian Psychological Association for the grooming, mentoring and confidence reposed in them. She assured of their readiness to fly the flag of the association with the honor and dignity it deserves.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Michael Joshua
