UNIJOS PARTNERS NIGERIA POLICE FORCE AND UNDP TO PROVIDE TRAINING ON TRAUMA AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE

UNIJOS PARTNERS NIGERIA POLICE FORCE AND UNDP TO PROVIDE TRAINING ON TRAUMA AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE

In a landmark ceremony which took place on Monday 2^nd February 2026 at the Police Staff Training College Jos, the Nigeria Police Force commenced a 90-day Training programme on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PSTD for its staff. This training came into fruition as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered into with the University of Jos and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Representing the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force at the ceremony was the DIG Training and Development, Mr. Frank Mba, who described the training as timely and strategic.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya stated that the University was “very proud to bring its academic expertise, research strength, and community-based experience to this initiative. As a federal institution of higher learning committed to innovation, relevance, and national development, we consider this partnership a vital contribution to building a more responsive, humane, and professional policing system.’’ He added further that the programme was carefully prepared to equip the Force members with practical skills in counselling, crisis intervention, trauma management, conflict resolution, communication, and ethical decision-making, enhancement of their personal resilience and emotional well-being, recognising taking note of their service on the front lines of public safety which exposes them to significant psychological demands.

Juliet Yop Pwajok (PhD), University of Jos

Project Coordinator

‘’Today’s event goes beyond the formal launch of a programme. It represents a shared commitment to strengthening professionalism, psychosocial competence, and humane service delivery within law enforcement. It reflects our collective understanding that effective policing is not only about enforcement, but also about understanding human behaviour, responding to trauma, and engaging the public with empathy and professionalism.

As Project Coordinator, I am particularly proud of this collaboration because it brings together academic knowledge, professional practice, and frontline experience. Through this MOU, we are deliberately bridging the gap between theory and practice—equipping police counsellors and desk officers with practical counselling skills, ethical frameworks, and trauma-informed approaches that are essential for effective interaction with victims, community members, and even fellow officers.’’

Delivering the UNDP opening remarks, Professor Jimam Lar commented:

‘’Through the facilitation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Nigeria Police Force and the University of Jos, we have created a unique partnership – one where the expertise of academia meets the realities of policing…. This training is not an isolated effort. UNDP has also procured materials to establish six trauma counselling centres across Northwest Nigeria. These centres will serve as safe spaces for officers and community members alike, ensuring that trauma is addressed with professionalism and compassion. This work is part of a broader reform programme supported by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented byUNDP Nigeria’’

In his remarks, Mr. Napoleon Enayaba - the Programme Specialist Rule of Law and Human Rights Unit of the UNDP, also stated that the initiative was a big step in efforts to strengthen Police reform in the country.

Participants of the training were drawn from conflict-ridden States, including Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Benue, Kaduna, and Katsina States.

Key facilitators of the programme include Professor Jimam Lar, and Dr. Juliet Yop Pwajok. In attendance at the ceremony were the University Dean of Students Affairs - Professor Christopher Piwuna, and Ag. Chief Security Office - Mr. Agama.