Nigeria is set to host more than 300 psychologists, scholars, and experts from 22 African countries in Abuja for the annual Pan-African Psychology Union (PAPU) Conference, aimed at advancing psychology education and addressing the continent’s developmental challenges.
Professor of Clinical Psychology at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Andrew Zamani, announced this while speaking with journalists in Abuja. He explained that Nigeria was chosen to host this year’s conference to strengthen the capacity of younger Nigerians in responding to trauma and other mental health issues.
Zamani highlighted that the programme will also enhance cross-border mental health services for victims of violence, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and youth development.
He also noted that the outcomes of the PAPU meeting would support governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in poverty reduction, quality healthcare, food security, and social services, contributing to improved quality of life across Nigeria.
“The conference will bring together psychology lecturers and scholars to examine the challenges of psychology education, and explore possibilities for harmonising psychology curricula to raise training standards in our universities”, he said.
Zamani also assured that trauma-healing sessions for students would equip younger Nigerians with the skills needed to address rising suicide cases and other mental health challenges in the country.
The conference is expected to feature discussions on innovative approaches to psychology education, regional collaboration in mental health, and strategies for improving access to mental health services across Africa, reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a hub for continental knowledge sharing in psychology.
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