Eniola Yekini
Effective counselling and community-based initiatives are essential for positive adolescent development, an expert in Guidance and Counselling has said.
Prof. Francis Olu Ibimiluyi of the Ekiti State University, EKSU, Ado-Ekiti, said counselling psychology is indispensable in shaping well-adjusted, resilient and empowered adolescents who will contribute meaningfully to society.
He stated this while delivering the 109th inaugural lecture of the university titled, “Complexities Of Adolescent Development: Counselling Psychology As A Navigator”.
According to him, through guidance and counselling psychology, young individuals can develop resilience, gain essential life skills and confidently navigate the complexities of adolescence.
“Adolescents represent the future of every society, and their well-being should be a top priority. Through early interventions, collaborative efforts, and proactive policies, we can create an environment where young individuals thrive emotionally, academically and socially,” Prof. Ibimiluyi said.
He said stakeholders must take action, noting that investing in adolescents today ensures a better future.
“Communities must create safe spaces for open dialogue, while adolescents should be involved in decisions about their education and future,” he added.
Prof. Ibimiluyi made several recommendations to achieve positive adolescent development.
He said government should ensure qualified school counsellors, increase funding for counselling programmes, and enforce strict regulations against substance abuse, cyberbullying and school violence.
“These measures help create a safer and more supportive environment for adolescent well-being and development,” he said.
He said schools should establish well-equipped counselling units, train teachers in basic counselling skills, and organise workshops on stress management, emotional intelligence and career guidance.
“This integration ensures a supportive environment for students’ academic and personal development,” he said.
The professor said parents should be educated on adolescent developmental psychology to enhance their parenting skills.
“Creating a supportive home environment where adolescents feel safe to share their struggles is essential. Additionally, parents should focus on holistic child development rather than placing excessive pressure on academic performance,” he said.
He added that raising public awareness and advocacy is essential for supporting adolescent mental health.
“Educational campaigns should inform the public about the importance of counselling, while social media can be leveraged to promote positive role models and mental health resources,” he said.
The inaugural lecturer stressed that adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by increased vulnerability to risk-taking behaviours such as substance abuse and aggression, influenced by personality traits, peer pressure, family background and environmental influences.
“Without proper intervention, substance abuse and aggressive behaviour can lead to severe consequences, such as mental health disorders, academic failure and legal issues,” he warned.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Babatola Ayodele, commended the inaugural lecturer for the well-researched lecture.
Ayodele said the issues raised in the lecture require the intervention of parents and other stakeholders.