The Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (ICN) has officially transitioned to the Chartered Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (CICN), marking a significant milestone for the counselling and mental health profession across Nigeria and Africa.
The step signifies the institute’s enhanced maturity, credibility, and national relevance. The institute maintained that the change is not merely symbolic saying it represents a profound shift in authority, capacity, and responsibility for the institute.
It said the CICN now stands as a chartered body, recognised, trusted, and empowered to lead the future of counselling and mental health. President of the CICN, Dr Tolulope Oko-Igaire, articulated the profound significance of this moment during the ceremony, saying “Today is not just a day of celebration; it is a day of deep significance. It is the day history shifts, purpose evolves, and legacy expands. With full hearts and bold conviction, we officially transition from the Institute of Counselling in Nigeria to the Chartered Institute of Counselling in Nigeria, CICN.”
Oko-Igaire added that to be chartered means to be officially recognised, trusted, and empowered to uphold the highest standards in counselling and mental health.
On his part, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Dr Kevin Donnelly, underscored the institute’s evolution and future role, saying the name change reflects the maturity, credibility, and national relevance that the institute has achieved.
He highlighted that the new charter status is not a reward, but a responsibility to lead, to uphold standards, and to speak boldly for the importance of mental health and emotional well-being in society.
Donnelly affirmed that the CICN now stands as a standard bearer for quality education in counselling and psychotherapy, as a platform for certification and regulation in a field that urgently needs structure.
