Executive Summary
Professor Halima Sa'adiya Abubakar is a distinguished Nigerian academic, researcher, and licensed professional counsellor with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, educational leadership, and community service. She is a Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education and Extension Services, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, where she has made significant contributions to the advancement of Guidance and Counselling, Educational Psychology, and teacher education.
She earned her Ph.D. in Guidance and Counselling from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, following a Master's degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, academic mentorship, and research. Prior to joining the university, she served in various educational leadership positions, including Principal, Headmistress, and Senior Lecturer, giving her extensive experience across primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Professor Abubakar's research focuses on educational psychology, guidance and counselling, mental health, psychosocial support, cognitive behavioural therapy, marital and family counselling, adolescent development, inclusive education, teacher effectiveness, conflict resolution, and educational policy. Her scholarly work has addressed contemporary issues such as school adjustment, academic performance, social media and education, internally displaced persons, gender and education, youth development, psychological wellbeing, and counselling interventions.
Areas of Core Expertise
Guidance & Counselling
Specialized academic and professional practice in guidance and counselling, mental health, psychosocial support, and cognitive behavioural therapy across educational and community settings.
Educational Psychology
Research and teaching in educational psychology with focus on adolescent development, teacher effectiveness, inclusive education, school adjustment, and academic performance.
Postgraduate Research Mentorship
Dedicated mentor who has successfully supervised a large number of Master's, M.Phil., and Ph.D. candidates in Guidance and Counselling, Educational Psychology, and related disciplines.
Marital & Family Counselling
Professional counselling expertise in marital dynamics, family systems, conflict resolution, and counselling interventions for families and youth.
Educational Leadership
Extensive experience across primary, secondary, and tertiary education as Principal, Headmistress, Senior Lecturer, and departmental coordinator.
Academic Leadership & Experience
Professor, Department of Educational Foundations
Faculty of Education and Extension Services, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS)
Engaged in teaching, research, and community service in Guidance and Counselling, Educational Psychology, and teacher education. Serves as B.Ed. Part-Time Programme Coordinator and Postgraduate Coordinator in the Department.
Governing Board Member
Counselling Practitioners Council of Nigeria (CPCN)
Serves on the national Governing Board responsible for regulating and advancing the counselling profession across Nigeria under the CPCN Act, 2022.
Principal / Headmistress (Former)
Educational Institutions
Served in educational leadership positions including Principal and Headmistress, gaining broad experience across primary and secondary education management.
Senior Lecturer (Former)
Tertiary Institution
Served as Senior Lecturer prior to attaining full Professorship, contributing to curriculum development, teaching, and research.
Global Academic Footprint & Scholarly Impact
Professor Abubakar has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers published in reputable national and international outlets. Her research addresses contemporary issues including school adjustment, academic performance, social media and education, internally displaced persons, gender and education, youth development, psychological wellbeing, and counselling interventions — continuing to influence policy and educational practice across Nigeria and beyond.
Quick Profile
Category: Governing Board
Credentials: LPCN, CCN, FCASSON
Institution: Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS)
Specialisation: Professor of Guidance and Counselling | Educational Psychologist | Researcher | Mentor
Fellowships & Affiliations
Licensed Professional Counsellor of Nigeria (LPCN)
Certified Counsellor of Nigeria (CCN)
Fellow / Member – Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) | FCASSON
Member – Nigerian Society for Educational Psychologists (NISEP)
Member – Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN)
Member – Women in Colleges of Education (WICE)
Board Member – Counselling Practitioners Council of Nigeria (CPCN)
Education & Credentials
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Guidance and Counselling
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Guidance and Counselling
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Personal Profile
Driven by a passion for improving educational outcomes and psychological wellbeing, Professor Halima Sa'adiya Abubakar continues to contribute to the advancement of education through impactful research, quality teaching, professional counselling, and community service. Her work is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, mental health, family stability, youth empowerment, and evidence-based counselling practices for sustainable national development.
