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.