Former Vice Chancellor of Westland University, Iwo, Professor Oshiotse Andrew Okwilagwe, has emphasised that raising standards in counselling is essential to protecting the profession from mediocrity and dilution in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and the commercialisation of knowledge.
Okwilagwe made this known while presenting the lead paper at the 2026 annual conference and award ceremony of the Oyo State Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON).
The conference, themed “Raising the Bar: Exploring Current Trends in Counselling Profession and National Development,” was held at the Assembly Hall, North Campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, from April 7 to 9.
Delivering his paper titled “Raising the Bar in Counselling: Exploring Current Professional Trends and National Development in an AI-Driven Era of Knowledge Commodification and Commercialisation,” the professor described “raising the bar” as elevating counselling practice to a highly refined and exceptional standard.
He noted that maintaining the relevance and impact of counselling requires deep expertise, strong ethical conduct, and strict adherence to professional best practices.
Highlighting ongoing changes in the field, Okwilagwe said rapid social and technological developments, particularly the rise of AI and digital platforms, are transforming how counselling services are delivered. He stressed that practitioners must adapt to remain competitive and effective.
To achieve this, he urged CASSON to reform counselling education by integrating AI, digital literacy, and interdisciplinary training. He also called for stronger certification systems, improved regulatory frameworks, continuous professional development, clear ethical guidelines for AI-based counselling, and increased collaboration among government, institutions, and professional bodies.
He further identified challenges confronting the profession, including ethical concerns around privacy, bias, and data misuse in AI-driven counselling, limited access to technology in developing regions, inadequate training in modern counselling techniques, and weak enforcement of regulatory standards.
In her remarks, CASSON Chairperson, Dr. Oluwatoyin Ajiboye, said the conference aimed not only to improve professional standards but also to explore how counselling can enhance income generation, expand access, and contribute more meaningfully to national development.
She highlighted achievements recorded over the past year, including regular capacity-building programmes for counselling psychologists, community counselling services for non-custodial offenders in partnership with the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Ibadan and the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, as well as infrastructural improvements at the association’s secretariat.
Ajiboye also commended key contributors and participants, including academics and past leaders of the association, for their support and presence at the event.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr. Adekunle Aderibigbe, said the conference was designed to equip participants with practical skills to better support individuals and communities, improve counselling practices in schools, and contribute to national development.
He described the theme as timely, noting that both Nigeria and the global community are facing complex social, economic, and political challenges that require the active involvement of counselling professionals.
Participants were encouraged to engage actively, collaborate, and apply new knowledge to strengthen the profession and drive positive change.
In her closing remarks at the Annual General Meeting, the Chairperson of TESCOM, Mrs. Olubukola Oladipo, represented by Dr. Oladunni, urged attendees to apply insights gained from the conference, embrace innovation, and uphold the highest professional standards.
She also called on CASSON to deepen collaboration across institutions and communities to position counselling as a critical driver of national development.
The event featured skills training sessions led by Dr. O.A. Odejimi, Barrister Alright Aigbe, and Mr. Tosin Togun, alongside the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for excellence in education, humanitarian service, and commitment to the association.
Among the award recipients were the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola; Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye; Professor Adebayo Animashaun of the University of Ibadan; Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi; Dr. Monilola Oyetade; Dr. Kola Ogundipe; Mr. Olamide Oladotun; and Elder Jimi Jacob Oyemade.
