By Law Ibitoye
A professor of guidance and counseling at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Francis Ibimiluyi, has called on governments, schools, parents and communities to strengthen counselling services to address the psychological, academic and social challenges confronting adolescents.
Ibimiluyi made the call while delivering the university’s 109th inaugural lecture, titled “Complexities of Adolescent Development: Counselling Psychology as a Navigator,” on Tuesday.
He stressed the importance of early counselling interventions in helping adolescents manage depression, peer pressure, academic difficulties and other challenges associated with the transition from childhood to adulthood.
The professor said adolescence was a critical stage of human development that required structured guidance and support to help young people build resilience, develop emotional intelligence and make responsible decisions.
He emphasised the need for collaboration among schools, families and communities to create an environment where adolescents could discuss their challenges and receive appropriate support without fear of judgment.
According to him, integrating counselling services into schools, strengthening parental involvement and establishing community-based support systems would improve adolescents’ emotional well-being, academic performance and preparation for adulthood.
As part of his recommendations, Ibimiluyi urged governments to ensure the availability of qualified school counsellors, increase funding for counselling programmes and enforce regulations against substance abuse, cyberbullying and violence in schools.
He also called on school authorities to establish well-equipped counselling units, train teachers in basic counselling skills and organise workshops on stress management, emotional intelligence and career guidance.
The don urged parents to acquire better knowledge of adolescent development to improve their parenting skills, noting that a supportive home environment was essential to helping young people discuss their struggles and seek assistance when necessary.
He cautioned against placing excessive pressure on adolescents over academic performance, advocating a holistic approach that gives equal attention to their emotional, social and personal development.
Ibimiluyi further recommended the establishment of counselling programmes in community centres and religious institutions to make support services more accessible to adolescents.
He called on non-governmental organisations to advocate for adolescent rights and provide mental health resources, while encouraging peer mentorship programmes to promote positive youth engagement.
The professor also advocated public awareness campaigns on adolescent mental health and the use of social media to promote positive role models and provide information on available support services.
He noted that counselling interventions could help adolescents overcome developmental challenges, improve their coping abilities and achieve their potential in both their personal and academic lives.
Ibimiluyi said investing in adolescent well-being through early intervention, collaborative efforts and proactive policies was essential to raising emotionally stable, resilient and responsible young people who could contribute meaningfully to society.
DIgnitaries at the inauguration lecture include: The Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade 1, Ilupeju Development Association’s National President Elder Banji Ogungbemi, Rtd Permanent secretary, Sola Ogunmiluyi, immediate past President of Ilupeju Youth Development Association, Engr Femi Fagbemi, many sons and daughters of Ilupeju Ekiti and several catholic priests among others