ICN Rebrands to Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (CICN)
The Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (ICN) has officially transitioned to the Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (CICN), marking a significant milestone for the counseling and mental health profession across Nigeria and Africa.
The historic announcement was made during a press conference held in Lagos over the weekend, signifying the institute’s enhanced maturity, credibility, and national relevance.
This transformation is not merely symbolic; it represents a profound shift in authority, capacity, and responsibility for the institute. The CICN now stands as a chartered body, recognized, trusted, and empowered to lead the future of counseling and mental health.
Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire, President of CICN, articulated the profound significance of this moment during the ceremony: “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 Counseling in Nigeria to the Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria, CICN.”
She emphasized the foundational belief that “emotional and mental health is the foundation of every healthy society,” stating that to rise as a people, healing must be “properly, professionally, and purposefully.” Dr. Oko-Igaire added that to be chartered means “to be officially recognized, trusted, and empowered to uphold the highest standards in counseling and mental health. It means we are now a national benchmark, a professional body with the mandate to regulate, train, guide, and inspire.” In line with this new chapter, the CICN also unveiled its new slogan: “Empowering Minds, Unlocking Professionalism.”
Dr. Oko-Igaire explained, “Because this is what we do, we empower minds to heal, grow, and lead. And we unlock professionalism in a field that for too long has been underappreciated, underregulated, and underdeveloped.” Addressing students and alumni, she encouraged them to “Stand tall. Speak boldly. Lead with confidence,” as their “certificates, practice, and impact now bear the seal of a chartered institution.”
Dr. Kevin Donnelly, Chairman of the Advisory Board, underscored the institute’s evolution and future role, stating, “This change is not merely symbolic. It reflects the maturity, credibility, and national relevance that the institute has achieved. CICN now stands as a chartered body recognized, trusted, and empowered to lead the future of counseling and mental health in Nigeria, across Africa, and beyond.”
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 our society.” Dr. Donnelly affirmed that the CICN “now stands as a standard bearer for quality education in counseling and psychotherapy, as a platform for certification and regulation in a field that urgently needs structure, as a voice of advocacy for emotional health in schools, families, workplaces, and governments, and as a home for anyone who desires to pursue this noble profession with dignity, competence, and purpose.”
Mr. Olaitan Olagoke, Registrar of CICN, emphasized the broadened scope and commitment of the institute. “We are rebranding. We are redefining. We are also reaffirming our commitment—transitioning from ICN to CICN is a big deal,” he stated. Mr. Olagoke further explained the institute’s expanded global reach, noting, “We are spreading our tentacles. We were international before; we are becoming more international. We are gaining more global recognition in terms of research, professionalism, and acknowledgment.”
Mrs. Ogechi Okoye, an esteemed alumnus of CICN and a practicing counselor, shared her personal journey and excitement about the change. She described her experience with the institute as “more than an extraordinary experience,” highlighting how “the details of the curriculum, the relationships, and the bonds I still have with my fellow students, as well as the faculty and the institute as a whole, continue to guide me through my career as a professional counselor. It has been a tremendous experience.”
She expressed her pride, stating, “I am really grateful and super proud that we are now Chartered,” and heartily recommended the institute, saying, “I encourage everyone in your healing journey—if you want to expand your skill sets, even if you want to become a counselor yourself, consider CICN.”