Greed Therapy is way out for Nigeria's Corruption Challenges

Greed Therapy is way out for Nigeria's Corruption Challenges


Corruption is both an attitude and a behavior. In fact, corruption stems from greed and lust. Many Nigerians believe that the country's biggest problem is corruption and and that deterrence and punitive measures are the only effective ways to deal with this giant.

Unfortunately, despite the many legalistic and punitive measures in place, over the years; the outcome has been even more corruption. Corruption is yet to be seen from a behavioural/mental health perspective and psychological treatment approaches have not been applied or implemented in a strategic and elaborate manner. To fully deal with corruption, also pay attention to the factors of addictions to greed and avarice.

Psychologists have a training that prepares them to help people overcome lusts, greed and addictions or at least understand that's what they are up against. At personal levels, many Nigerians have perceived corruption as a helpless and acceptable behavior. This is a kind of learned helplessness. Many justify this position by their belief that ' one way or the other, everyone is involved" and that those punishing others for corrupt practices are indeed 'opportunists who may even be more corrupt and therefore, lack the moral justification to play that role. The punished sort of see themselves as victims. Justifying corruption on the basis of such premise is faulty and wrong.

I believe that there are more honest Nigerians disposed against corruption than there are corrupt people. However, owing to a lack of understanding of corruption as greed and owing to the overwhelming pressure to conform to corrupt practices; the good guys get trapped in the bad game.

Corruption is at an all time high levels in Nigeria today. Part of he reason is because today's values and culture promote lusts of all kinds. Greed and in particular, greed for money, has risen to pathological and clinical level. Many of us in this country need what I call 'greed therapy'. Let's get our Psychologists to work! Just like people in other countries, psychological support systems for children and adults are crucial for moderating the behavior of citizens.

Ignoring this support and welfare systems and expecting best behaviors might remain a mirage.


The holy scriptures confirms that corruption comes from lust: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4 King James Version.


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Making professional Psychology make sense to Nigeria

Things haven't really changed for the better for Nigerians in many ways. One fundamental truth is nature and natural disasters are not Nigeria's major challenge. Nigeria suffers from behavior disasters and for decades have failed to recognize this fact.

Unfortunately, those who should know and help are not even awake to their obligations and responsibilities. No one should know the methods of understanding and changing human behaviours better than Psychologists. Psychologists and their students in Nigeria are denying their nation the benefits and promises that the science and profession of their great discipline holds. Its a sorry news, that with the prevalence of mental health issues in Nigeria including problems of violence, addiction, depression, autism and childhood disabilities, improper job placements, evaluations, assessments and recruitment; with many anger management cases in both federal and state legislatures; with many dysfunctional families and confused parents with ineffective parenting skills; many abusive and aggressive adults; kid and adult bullies; and with suicide rates going up everyday; including more recruits into terrorist groups to mention but a few; how on earth can Psychologists not have jobs and play a crucial role?

Of what use is A Psychology degree if one won't help apply one's wisdom and knowledge of the discipline to solving individual and societal problems?
It is high time we challenged the curriculum that prepares young people to spend 4 years in and out of university without practical skills to benefit society. It is time to promote professional psychology. Research is good, but without application, we will only continue to produce graduates who end up in non-related jobs.

This forum seeks to unite like minded psychologists and students towards making professional psychology make sense to Nigeria. There will also be mentorship and training openings to prepare younger practitioners. Do share your thoughts on this and invite your colleagues and classmates.