A Professor of Social Psychology at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Emenike Nnebife Anyaegbunam, has called for the integration of cognitive therapy into the Nigeria’s healthcare system to improve psychological well-being and support immune system functioning to promote overall health.
Anyaegbunam made the call while delivering the university’s 13th inaugural lecture titled “Integrating Psychological Science with Health Promotion: Leveraging Cognitive Therapy to Improve Immune System,” on October 22, 2026, at the university senate chamber.
He explained that negative thoughts, prolonged stress and emotional distress could affect physical health, noting that cognitive therapy helps individuals manage stress, challenge unhealthy thought patterns and develop positive coping strategies.
The inaugural lecturer, drawing from his research and clinical experience, highlighted the importance of addressing the psychological and social challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, particularly stigma, rejection, fear and social isolation. He argued that addressing these challenges alongside medical treatment could improve patients’ overall well-being.
He recommended integrating cognitive therapy into national mental health policies, primary healthcare services, chronic disease management, schools and community-based programmes. He also called for the training of healthcare workers and teachers, strengthening peer-support networks, engaging religious institutions, as well as promoting digital platforms to expand access to psychological services.
Anyaegbunam, who has contributed to the development of psychology programme at AE-FUNAI, emphasized that healthcare should go beyond treating physical symptoms to addressing the psychological factors that influence well-being, stressing that combining psychological interventions with conventional medical care could help improve health outcomes, enhance resilience and support Nigeria’s efforts to promote public health.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Daniel Nwachukwu, described the lecture as an important contribution to knowledge and a demonstration of the practical value of psychological science in healthcare.
Nwachukwu, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Celestine Afiukwa, noted that inaugural lecture provides an opportunity for a professor to account for his academic journey and contributions to knowledge, adding that Anyaegbunam’s topic was particularly relevant to a society burdened by stress-related illness, chronic conditions and limited healthcare resources. He affirmed that the lecturer’s work, highlighting how restructuring negative thoughts and building psychological resilience through cognitive therapy could help support immune responses and promote holistic well-being.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the inaugural lecturer for his contributions to research, teaching and service, maintaining that his work had helped position the university within wider academic discussions on psychology, urging the participants to engage intellectually with inspiration to be healthier in mind and body.
The event climaxed with the decoration and presentation of certificate to the inaugural lecturer into the distinguished profession by the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Afiukwa.
