From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Dr. Emmanuel Alhassan, a Psychometrician has pledged to use his wealth of experience to provide supportive leadership for attainment of strategic growth of Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA).
Alhassan who is an aspirant vying for the Vice President, position of the Association in the on-going election made the pledge in an interview with Newsmen in Lokoja.
stressing that he will ensure Finalisation of the Nigerian Council for Psychologists Act through Civil Society, Legislative and Executive advocacy if given the opportunity.
He noted that the NPA was supposed to provide enabling environment for psychology to thrive and as well, promote the discipline and its practice in the country.
He disclosed that the NPC bill was actually passed in the days of the 8th National Assembly but unfortunately, was not assented to by Mr President and would have to go through another legislative process in the 9th Assembly.
Dr. Alhassan who promised to ensure that operationalization of the psychologists cadre in the Federal Government Scheme of Service is put in place expressed joy that the current Head of Service, Mrs Yemi Esan and her colleagues from the six states and FCT have graciously agreed that psychology has a cadre in the Federal Government Scheme of Service.
The Nasarawa State University lecturer promised to partner the NPA leadership to evolve a strategic plan, looking at the vision, mission and objectives of the Association and the things they needed to prioritise, to make medium and long-term plans.
“This involves getting the views and ideas from various stakeholders in the various divisions and the state chapters to harness innovative ideas to chart a new course for psychology in Nigeria”, he said.
Alhassan who is also the current chairman of the FCT chapter of NPA said he would influence the leadership to deploy innovations in technology to build a robust database of members of the association.
The expert who attributed a lot of “sudden deaths and psychological trauma” to little knowledge on mental health said, he intends to lend the issue, a voice and bring it to the front burner.
Dr. Alhassan, the former National Project Manager of the second World Bank HIV/AIDS Programme Development Project (HPDP II) was a Training Development Officer with Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
He was also Regional Manager, OANDO; USAID embedded Consultant with NACA; Special Adviser, PPP and former chairman FCT chapter of NPA among others.
Reports has it that the election which started on-line on Monday is expected to end with physical polling on Monday, November 8.
