Research, Policy & Advocacy RPA – The Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria

Research, Policy & Advocacy (RPA)

Evidence that changes lives.
Policy that changes systems.

The CICN Department of Research, Policy & Advocacy produces Africa-centric mental health evidence and converts it into bold reforms for schools, clinics, communities, and government.

Featured outputs:
• Working Paper Series (open access)
• Data Insights (monthly infographics)
• Practitioner Toolkits (downloadables)

Why RPA at CICN?

CICN exists to professionalize counseling in Nigeria and across Africa. RPA is our engine room, where rigorous research, clear policy, and practical advocacy meet.

Evidence-based: We design and evaluate counseling models that work in African contexts.
Policy-forward: We translate findings into legislation, funding, and systems change.
Practice-shaping: We equip counselors, educators, and first responders with tools that improve outcomes now.

Research & Innovation

National studies on counseling access, trauma, addiction, school mental health, and culture.
Validation of indigenous/faith-informed counseling approaches.
Outcome studies on CICN modalities, including Transformative Identity Reengineering Intervention (TIRI).
Working Papers, Journal Articles, Books, and the annual CICN Research & Policy Report.

Policy Development & Advocacy

Policy briefs, white papers, and technical memos for ministries and legislators.
Stakeholder convenings with MOH, MOE, NGOs, faith bodies, and development partners.
Regulatory support for counseling licensure, school-based services, and mental-health financing.
Public campaigns combating stigma and misinformation.

Capacity Building & Partnerships

Research methods training for students and professionals.
M&E mentorship for NGOs and government programs.
Co-created pilots with schools, clinics, IDP programs, and humanitarian actors.
Local and international MoUs (universities, WHO/UN bodies, APA/BACP, foundations).

Priority Themes (2025–2027)

• School Mental Health & Safeguarding
• Trauma, SGBV & Crisis Response
• Addiction & Harm Reduction
• Faith, Culture & Counseling Integration
• Digital & Community-Based Service Models
• Licensure, Workforce & Quality Standards
• Women’s Health & Sexual Well-being (incl. somatic and intimacy counseling)
• Humanitarian & Disaster Mental Health

Recent Publications & Downloads

• Policy Brief 01: Why Nigeria Needs a Strong Counseling Profession (PDF)
• Policy Brief 02: Integrating Counseling into School Curricula (PDF)
• White Paper 01: Framework for Counseling Regulation in Nigeria (PDF)
• Working Paper: Public Perception of Counseling vs. Pastoral Care (PDF)
• Toolkit: Rapid Psychological Triage for First Responders (PDF)

How to Work with Us

Government & Regulators
• Request technical input on bills/regulations.
• Commission gap analyses and implementation roadmaps.

NGOs & Development Partners
• Co-design research and M&E frameworks.
• Pilot scalable counseling models in communities.

Universities & Researchers
• Apply for visiting fellowships or joint studies.
• Co-publish and share datasets ethically.

Schools, Clinics & Faith Bodies
• Adopt toolkits; train your team.
• Evaluate outcomes and scale what works.

Ethical Standards & Data Protection

• IRB/ethics approvals for all human-subject studies.
• Informed consent, confidentiality, trauma-informed practice.
• Compliance with Nigerian data protection laws.
• Community engagement and feedback loops before, during, and after studies.

Grants & Funding

We collaborate with public and philanthropic funders to deliver measurable impact.
Interested in co-funding a study or policy initiative?

Events & Programs

• National Stakeholders’ Dialogue (Q3)
• Annual Research & Policy Conference (Q4)
• Methods & Publication Bootcamps (bi-annual)
• Policy Labs: co-design sessions with ministries, NGOs, and schools.

FAQs

Is RPA only for academics?

No. We’re practitioner-centric and design tools for real-world use.

Can faith-based organizations participate?

Yes. We co-create culturally and theologically informed models, evaluated scientifically.

Can I submit a research idea?

Yes, use our Idea Submission form. We review monthly.

Do you share data?

We publish anonymized, aggregate datasets under strict ethical rules.

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The Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria is a reputable Counseling Institute, the first of its kind in Africa; affiliated with other professional educational Institutions, Associations, and bodies both in Nigeria and Internationally.