CASSON marks 50 years, champions counselling for sustainable development
The Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), the umbrella professional body for guidance counsellors in the country, will celebrate its Golden Jubilee from 16 to 21 August 2026 at Ibom Hall in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, marking 50 years of advancing professional counselling and national development.
The anniversary, themed “Counselling Practice for Sustainable Livelihood and Development,” will bring together leading experts, policymakers, educators and mental health professionals to examine the role of counselling in building resilient individuals and sustainable societies.
*CASSON
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), the umbrella professional body for guidance counsellors in the country, will celebrate its Golden Jubilee from 16 to 21 August 2026 at Ibom Hall in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, marking 50 years of advancing professional counselling and national development.
The anniversary, themed “Counselling Practice for Sustainable Livelihood and Development,” will bring together leading experts, policymakers, educators and mental health professionals to examine the role of counselling in building resilient individuals and sustainable societies.
In a joint statement, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Julius Lambert Nyananyo, and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Prof. Ayo Hammed, said the celebration would reflect on the association’s achievements while charting a course for the future.
“At 50, we celebrate a legacy of impact while reaffirming our commitment to positioning counselling as a strategic driver of sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.”
A major highlight of the week-long celebration will be the Golden Jubilee Lecture titled “Counselling Practice in Nigeria: Reflections, Achievements and Future Direction,” to be delivered by renowned scholar and member of the association’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Frank Carew.
Founded in 1976, CASSON has played a pivotal role in advancing counselling education, promoting professional ethics and increasing awareness of mental health issues across Nigeria.
According to the organisers, the association has also contributed significantly to strengthening the education sector, promoting emotional well-being and enhancing national productivity through professional counselling services.
Activities lined up for the anniversary include an international conference and technical sessions, the Golden Jubilee Lecture, an awards and recognition ceremony, policy and stakeholder dialogues, and community mental health campaigns.
CASSON also called on governments at all levels, development partners and the private sector to increase investment in counselling services, describing them as essential to addressing the country’s growing socio-economic and psychological challenges.
