Executive Summary
Dr. Ndidi Mercy Ofole is an Associate Professor of Counselling and Health Psychology at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. With over two decades of experience in teaching, research, professional practice, and community engagement, she specializes in counselling psychology, mental health promotion, health and wellness counselling, adolescent and youth development, reproductive health, gender and inclusivity, and substance use prevention.
She holds B.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling, Second Class Upper Division), Masters in Personnel Psychology (MPP), M.Ed. (Educational and School Counselling), and Ph.D. (Counselling Psychology) degrees, all from the University of Ibadan — making her a thoroughbred scholar of one of Africa's foremost institutions.
She pioneered the training of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as Peer Educators for HIV prevention and behavioural change communication in Nigeria, and has served as consultant to UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, PASGR, NUC, and Ashoka West Africa.
Areas of Core Expertise
Counselling & Health Psychology
Specialized research and practice in mental health promotion, health and wellness counselling, and substance use prevention across academic and community settings.
Adolescent & Youth Development
Pioneering work in reproductive health, HIV/AIDS peer education, behavioural change communication, and gender-responsive counselling for young people.
International Development Consultancy
Consultant and resource person to UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, PASGR, NUC, and Ashoka West Africa, bridging academic research and policy implementation.
Alumni Relations & Institutional Advancement
Provides strategic leadership as Director of the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) at the University of Ibadan, driving institutional advancement and stakeholder engagement.
Professional Association Leadership
First female Chairperson of CASSON Oyo State Chapter and National Public Relations Officer of CASSON; Fellow of CASSON and member of global counselling networks.
Academic Leadership & Experience
Director, Office of Alumni Relations (OAR)
Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan (Current)
Provides strategic leadership in alumni engagement, institutional advancement, and stakeholder relations on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor's Office.
Associate Professor of Counselling and Health Psychology
Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, University of Ibadan
Engaged in teaching, research, and professional practice with specialization in counselling psychology, mental health, substance use prevention, and reproductive health. Has published over 75 scholarly articles in national and international journals.
Sub-Dean (Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies)
Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan
Served in academic administration at sub-dean level, overseeing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Education.
Congregation Representative on Senate
University of Ibadan Senate
Served as a Senate representative, contributing to institutional governance and academic policy at the university level.
First Female Chairperson
CASSON Oyo State Chapter
Made history as the first female Chairperson of the CASSON Oyo State Chapter, advancing professional counselling and gender representation in association leadership.
National Public Relations Officer
Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON)
Served as National PRO of CASSON, managing the association's public communications and national visibility.
Pioneer Trainer — NYSC Peer Education Programme
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
Pioneered the training of NYSC members as Peer Educators for HIV prevention and behavioural change communication — a landmark contribution to public health education in Nigeria.
International Consultant & Resource Person
UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, PASGR, NUC, Ashoka West Africa
Served as consultant and resource person to major international and national development agencies, contributing to policy, research, and community health programmes.
State Coordinator
International Society of Substance Use Prevention Professionals (ISSUP)
Coordinates ISSUP activities at state level, contributing to substance use prevention policy and professional development.
Global Academic Footprint & Scholarly Impact
Has published over 75 scholarly articles in reputable national and international journals, and presented papers at conferences across Africa and Europe. Member of the American Psychological Association (APA), Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), and European Centre for Research Training and Development (ECRTD), UK.
Quick Profile
Category: Governing Board
Credentials: Ph.D, FCASSON
Institution: University of Ibadan
Specialisation: Associate Professor of Counselling and Health Psychology
Fellowships & Affiliations
Fellow (FCASSON) – Counselling Association of Nigeria
Member – Counselling Practitioners Council of Nigeria (CPCN)
Member – American Psychological Association (APA)
State Coordinator – International Society of Substance Use Prevention Professionals (ISSUP)
Member – Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
Member – European Centre for Research Training and Development (ECRTD), UK
Education & Credentials
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselling Psychology
University of Ibadan
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational and School Counselling
University of Ibadan
Masters in Personnel Psychology (MPP)
University of Ibadan
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Guidance and Counselling — Second Class Upper Division
University of Ibadan
Personal Profile
Contact: drofolendidi@gmail.com | nm.ofole@edu.ui.ng | +234 803 472 9225. Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
