Funmi Ogundare
Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, recently held the sixth edition of its Faith Integration (IFI) symposium aimed at ensuring that faith-informed approaches complement scientific practice in tackling Nigeria’s growing mental health burden.
The symposium, themed ‘Healing Body and Soul: Faith-Informed Approaches in Psychology and Mental Health’, was organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President/Vice-Chancellor on AAA/IBE/IFL under the leadership of Prof. Constance Nwosu.
The event convened healthcare professionals, clergy, academics and students to explore the intersection of spirituality and psychological care.
The gathering comes amid rising concern over mental health in Nigeria, where the World Health Organisation ( WHO) estimates that more than 20 per cent of the country’s over 200 million citizens live with mental health conditions, while fewer than 10 per cent receive adequate treatment due to limited resources and persistent stigma.
In his remarks, the Vice-President for Advancement and Development, Dr. Olaniyi Arije, commended the organisers for bringing mental health to the forefront, describing it as critical to collective wellbeing.
He encouraged participants to use the platform for learning and reflection.
A lecturer and consultant health physician at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Adebola Omotosho, emphasised the foundational role of mental health in overall wellbeing and called for more integrated support systems that recognise patients’ spiritual worldviews while upholding ethical, evidence-based care.
She clarified that faith-informed care does not replace science or medication, but respectfully incorporates a client’s spiritual perspective into treatment where appropriate.
“Healing occurs at the intersection of biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors,” she stated.
The Chaplain of the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Sylvester Afanga, stressed the responsibility of faith leaders to help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek professional help.
He advocated mental health training for chaplains and the creation of safe spaces within faith communities to support recovery.
Also speaking, Miss Oluwamuolamide Omole, a final-year Medicine and Surgery student, emphasised the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and strong social connections in achieving holistic wellbeing.
At the interactive sessions at the event, she offered practical stress-management strategies, including intentional rest, structured daily routines and timely professional support.
Speakers reaffirmed that faith and mental health practice are complementary partners in fostering healing, calling for more holistic and inclusive approaches to mental wellbeing.
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