Urgent Call for Tinubu's Assent: Advancing Mental Healthcare in Nigeria through the Nigerian Council for Psychologists Bill in Honor of Amarachi Ugochukwu

Urgent Call for Tinubu's Assent: Overcoming Psychiatric Dominance and Embracing Modern Mental Healthcare in Nigeria with the Nigerian Council for Psychologists (NCfP) Bill, Passed by the National Assembly in 2019; At least do it for Amarachi Ugochukwu, the now late 32-year-old bank worker

Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
I trust this letter finds you in excellent health and high spirits. I am writing to you as both a concerned Nigerian native from Esan kingdom and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and reform in Nigeria. I wish to draw your attention to a matter of utmost importance concerning our nation's mental healthcare system.

First and foremost, I want to applaud your unwavering commitment to public service and your relentless dedication to addressing the myriad issues confronting our gradually developing nation. It is in the spirit of progress and service that I approach you today to discuss a critical facet of healthcare that often remains on the periphery of public discourse – mental health.

In recent times, Nigeria achieved a significant milestone with the signing of the mental health bill by former President Muhammadu Buhari after six decades. The landscape of mental healthcare in our country has been undergoing a profound transformation in recent years. This transformation is characterized by a growing recognition of the significance of psychological services and the imperative of adopting a more comprehensive approach to tackle mental health challenges. However, an urgent and unresolved matter stands before us, demanding immediate attention – the Nigerian Council for Psychologists (NCfP) Bill, which received approval from the National Assembly in 2019. Regrettably, the NCfP bill remains in a state of limbo, overshadowed by the entrenched dominance of psychiatry, a colonial legacy that continues to exert undue influence across Africa, including Nigeria.

This bill symbolizes a pivotal juncture in Nigeria's pursuit of modern mental healthcare. It signifies our nation's commitment to embracing a holistic, complementary, and contemporary approach to mental well-being, one that transcends the confines of conventional psychiatric practices.

The time has come for Nigeria to fully embrace modern mental healthcare, ushering in a new era that promotes mental well-being and delivers comprehensive care to all its citizens. We stand at a pivotal moment where we must bridge the gap between psychiatry and psychology, recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind and the body. It is no longer tenable to view them as separate entities; they are, in fact, intricately linked. This is the time for a brighter and healthier future for every Nigerian, where we address both crisis intervention and preventive measures, fostering the overall well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

Psychology, as a field, stands at the forefront of this transformative journey, offering a holistic, proactive, and preventive approach to mental health. Unlike psychiatry, which primarily focuses on crisis intervention and medication-based treatments, psychology delves deep into the root causes of mental health challenges, addressing them at their core.

Psychologists employ a diverse array of psychological instruments and assessments, not merely to bandage symptoms but to gain profound insights into individuals' mental health needs. Armed with this understanding, they recommend tailored interventions that nurture long-term mental well-being. Psychology's proactive and preventive stance aims to identify and address mental health issues before they escalate, ensuring a healthier and more resilient society. Moreover, psychologists possess unique expertise in addressing the societal factors that contribute to mental health challenges. Their focus extends beyond individuals to creating supportive environments, implementing community-based interventions, and cultivating psychological resilience. They strive to prevent mental health issues from taking root in the first place, working tirelessly to fortify the mental well-being of our communities. Psychologists utilize various psychological instruments and assessments to gain insights into individuals' mental health needs and recommend personalized interventions. In contrast, psychiatrists typically focus on diagnosing and prescribing medication.

The passage of the Nigerian Council for Psychologists (Establishment) Bill is a crucial step in this transformative journey. This bill aims to establish the Nigerian Council for Psychologists, a regulatory body that will oversee and govern the practice of psychology in Nigeria. It seeks to ensure that only qualified and certified psychologists are permitted to practice in various domains, with stringent licensure provisions in place to safeguard the lives of our people. The principal objective is to guarantee the delivery of high-quality psychological services to all Nigerians.

Recognizing the value of psychology in mental healthcare transcends mere academic or clinical concern; it directly impacts the well-being of our citizens. In recent times, psychology as a profession has found its place within the Nigerian civil service. However, without a dedicated law governing psychological services, its potential impact on society and individual well-being remains uncertain and unstable. It is imperative that we formalize and strengthen the role of psychology in our mental healthcare system, ensuring that it can fully contribute to the betterment of our nation.

The time has come for Nigeria to lead the way in modern mental healthcare, championing a proactive and preventive approach that promotes mental well-being and resilience. Let us not delay this imperative any longer, for the well-being of our citizens and the health of our nation depend on it.

It is imperative to understand that psychology goes beyond providing temporary fixes or merely addressing symptoms. It is a discipline rooted in proactive and preventive strategies that aim to promote mental well-being and resilience. This approach has the potential to not only benefit individuals but also entire communities, ultimately reducing the burden of mental health challenges.

Allow me, Mr. President, to illustrate the stark differences between psychology and psychiatry. Psychology, as a field, embraces a holistic and proactive stance toward mental health. In contrast to psychiatry, which primarily focuses on crisis intervention and medication-based treatments, psychology places a strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and tackling the broader factors contributing to mental health challenges. Psychologists employ a diverse array of psychological instruments and assessments to gain profound insights into individuals' mental health needs, allowing them to recommend tailored interventions. Psychology encompasses a wide range of specialized branches, including clinical, military, forensic, police, corrections, finance, politics, business, health, medical, public policy, school, industrial and organizational, and social psychology, as well as aviation and leadership psychology. Each of these branches addresses different aspects of human behavior and mental health.

The complex and multifaceted issues currently facing Nigeria, such as economic challenges, social insecurity, crime, corruption, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and other addictions, cannot be adequately addressed solely through medication or medical interventions. These problems run deep and require a holistic and comprehensive approach that transcends the boundaries of traditional healthcare. The challenges we face, including economic hardships, social insecurity, escalating crime rates, and pervasive corruption, are deeply ingrained in our society. To effectively tackle these issues, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that extends beyond the realm of healthcare.

Recognizing the distinctive strengths of psychology and embracing its proactive and preventive strategies can lead Nigeria toward a brighter and more resilient future. This is not merely a matter of profession but a fundamental shift in our approach to addressing the complex challenges that our nation faces. It's a call to action, Mr. President, to acknowledge the unique contributions of psychology and leverage them to benefit our citizens and our beloved country.

The longstanding shortage of psychiatrists to address our society's enduring mental health issues has raised valid concerns. Some even argue that the ratio amounts to one psychiatrist for every one million individuals in our society. It appears paradoxical that experts in psychiatry, who primarily deal with the later stages of these challenges, have not proactively advocated for an increased presence of psychologists to tackle the root causes from the outset. Doesn't this reflect a counterproductive mindset and professional shortsightedness?

This professional imbalance seems to originate from the conventional African leadership inclination towards an excessive desire for power, control, domination, and a reluctance to collaborate. These are the same professionals who profess their dedication to mental health transformation while remaining obstinate. I assert that it's a manifestation of colonial and ongoing irrationality on their part. Mr. President, as a progressive leader, it's imperative to transcend this retrogressive approach and alleviate the societal and mental health burdens.

While psychiatrists play a vital role in managing severe mental illnesses and providing maintenance treatments, it is crucial to recognize the need for a balanced approach that includes psychologists and social workers. These professionals are essential in offering a broader range of services tailored to the diverse needs of Nigeria's population.

I must return to the recent tragic story of Amarachi Ugochukwu, a 32-year-old bank worker who took her own life in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Her story exemplifies the urgent need for the provisions of the Mental Health Bill. In her suicide note, Amarachi cited the "hard economy" as one of the reasons for her decision to end her life. She expressed despair, hopelessness, and the feeling that "nothing is working in my life." This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical importance of mental health support, preventive care, social intervention, psychological screening, and positive intervention, especially in times of economic hardship.

Amarachi's case vividly illustrates the need for psychologists, social workers, and mental health professionals who can provide the necessary skills, coping mechanisms, preventive measures, and emotional support to individuals facing such challenges. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in workplaces could have been instrumental in Amarachi's case. They can greatly play a crucial role in providing support to employees dealing with personal and workplace stressors. Psychology, as a field, goes beyond crisis intervention and medication-based approaches; it focuses on prevention, early intervention, and holistic support for mental well-being.

In fact, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can play a crucial role in addressing the psychological well-being of employees within the banking industry. Banks are often high-pressure environments where employees may encounter stress, burnout, and a range of challenges related to their work and personal lives. EAPs are a proactive and effective means of providing support to bank employees. These programs offer confidential counseling services, resources for managing personal and professional issues, and guidance for improving overall mental health. By implementing EAPs in banks and other workplaces across Nigeria, we can create a workplace environment that prioritizes the mental well-being of employees.

The Nigerian Council for Psychologists (NCfP) bill transcends being a mere piece of legislation; it symbolizes the promise of a more inclusive and comprehensive mental healthcare system. Once the Nigerian Council for Psychologists is established, it will introduce regulations aimed at determining who can practice psychology, outlining rules for interns, and implementing measures to eradicate fake psychologists from the profession. This regulatory framework is designed to ensure that the profession maintains the highest standards of practice and ethics.

In this context, the role of political, executive, legislative, and public policy leaders, including the President, becomes paramount. The urgent need for the President's assent to the NCfP bill cannot be overstated. It is a crucial step to formalize and strengthen the role of psychologists in Nigeria's mental healthcare system, aiming to overcome the persistent delays and to usher in a modern mental healthcare system free from colonial legacies.

With the increasing prevalence of mental health issues both globally and in Nigeria, it is imperative that we depart from outdated colonial approaches and embrace a more collaborative and holistic approach to mental healthcare. Mr. President, with your American education and global perspective, you are uniquely positioned to champion the cause of mental health reform in Nigeria. You comprehend the significance of integrating psychology and social work into our mental healthcare system to cater to the diverse needs of our population.

Psychology embraces a proactive and preventative approach, prioritizing early identification and intervention in mental health concerns to curtail their escalation. Conversely, psychiatry often responds reactively, relying predominantly on medication-based treatments. Psychologists employ a variety of psychological tools and evaluation techniques to comprehend individuals' mental health requirements, empowering them to suggest personalized interventions, while psychiatrists mainly focus on diagnosis and prescribing medications.

It is essential to understand that psychology is not about temporary fixes or merely addressing symptoms. It revolves around proactive and preventive strategies that promote mental well-being and resilience. This proactive approach can lead to healthier individuals and communities, ultimately reducing the burden of mental health challenges.

In closing, Mr. President, I implore you to take decisive action, not solely in the name of legislation, but in honor of individuals like Amarachi Ugochukwu and countless others silently grappling with the burdens of mental health challenges. Psychologists are not here to engage in professional rivalry; our mission is to seamlessly collaborate with psychiatrists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, mental health researchers, and the entire healthcare community to bring about positive change.

Psychologists are not only educators but also interventionists and advocates for prevention. Our mission is to alleviate the deep-seated and persistent stressors that individuals like Amarachi faced in their workplaces and lives. We stand ready to provide the necessary support, coping mechanisms, and preventive measures essential to fostering mental well-being.

By endorsing the Psychology Bill and recognizing the indispensable role of psychologists, you have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for all Nigerians. This is not merely a call for legislative action; it is a clarion call for a paradigm shift in our approach to mental healthcare.

Let us unite in the pursuit of a Nigeria where mental health takes center stage, where individuals like Amarachi discover hope instead of despair, and where the burden of mental health challenges is significantly lightened. This is an appeal to elevate the spirit and well-being of our beloved nation.

Mr. President, I implore you to act not only as a leader but as a compassionate human being. Do it for Amarachi Ugochukwu and the countless others who deserve a chance at a life free from the shadows of mental health issues.

Thank you, Mr. President, for your unwavering commitment to the welfare of our citizens. I wish you continued strength as you guide our nation towards a brighter and healthier future. Your dedication to the well-being of our citizens and our nation's workforce is greatly appreciated. Please sign the bill now, and I wish you continued emotional strength, lasting physical health, and psychological well-being as you carry the burden of this nation on your shoulders.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. [email protected]