13/10/2026
OAU HOSTS 432ND INAUGURAL LECTURE AS PROF. ADEOLA AYODEJI SHOBOLA EXPLORES THE HUMAN MIND
“The Mind Surgeon: Who Counsels the Counsellor?” — A Lecture on the Body, Soul and Spirit
ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE — October 13, 2026
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, today hosted its 432nd Inaugural Lecture, delivered by Professor Adeola Ayodeji Shobola (née Ologbenla), a Professor of Guidance and Counselling.
The lecture, titled “The Mind Surgeon: Who Counsels the Counsellor?”, explored the complexity of human nature, the workings of the mind, and the relationship between the body, soul and spirit. It also raised important questions about the emotional and psychological well-being of counsellors who dedicate their professional lives to helping others navigate life's challenges.
Professor Shobola: An Academic and Royal Heritage
Professor Adeola Ayodeji Shobola was born into the royal family of the late Isaiah Ologbenla. Her academic journey began after her secondary education, when she proceeded to the Lagos State College of Education (LACOED). She subsequently attended Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, before obtaining additional academic qualifications from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Through her academic and professional pursuits, Professor Shobola has established herself in the field of Guidance and Counselling, a discipline concerned with human behaviour, personal development, emotional well-being and the provision of support to individuals facing life's challenges.
Understanding the Human Person: The Body, Soul and Spirit
In her inaugural lecture, Professor Shobola examined the human person through a tripartite framework comprising three dimensions: the body, the spirit and the soul. Her presentation highlighted the distinct functions attributed to each dimension and their interconnectedness in understanding human existence.
1. The Body
The body represents the physical dimension of human existence. When it becomes ill or experiences physical challenges, medical professionals, particularly physicians, provide diagnosis, treatment and appropriate medical care.
This illustrates the importance of physical health and the role of medical science in restoring the body's proper functioning.
2. The Spirit
The spirit represents the spiritual dimension of human existence. Within the spiritual perspective presented in the lecture, the spirit is understood as the aspect of a person through which one relates and communicates with God, the Creator.
This perspective emphasises the importance of spiritual renewal, faith and surrender to God as pathways through which individuals may seek strength, restoration and direction.
3. The Soul
The soul was described as the seat of the mind, will and emotions. It plays a significant role in shaping human thoughts, decisions, feelings and responses to different circumstances.
The soul also serves as a link between the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence. In discussions of human nature, the concepts of the soul and mind are sometimes used interchangeably, although their meanings may differ depending on the philosophical, psychological or religious framework being applied.
Through this framework, the lecture invited reflection on the need to understand human beings beyond their physical conditions, recognising the importance of psychological and spiritual well-being alongside bodily health.
The Central Question: Who Counsels the Counsellor?
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the lecture is its title: “The Mind Surgeon: Who Counsels the Counsellor?”
Counsellors are trained professionals who help individuals address emotional difficulties, personal conflicts, relationship challenges, behavioural concerns and other issues affecting their well-being.
However, counsellors are also human beings who experience stress, emotional pressure, personal struggles and the demands of everyday life.
This raises a fundamental question: When a counsellor spends time helping others overcome their challenges, who provides support when the counsellor needs help?
The question underscores the importance of self-awareness, emotional well-being, professional supervision, personal development and access to appropriate support systems for counselling professionals.
Just as a medical practitioner requires care when ill, a counsellor may also need professional guidance and emotional support. The ability to help others should not be mistaken for immunity from personal struggles.
Ultimately, the discussion highlights the importance of caring for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
Distinguished Personalities Grace the Occasion
The prestigious academic event attracted several distinguished personalities, traditional leaders, community stakeholders and representatives of organisations within Ile-Ife.
Among those in attendance were the President of the IDB, the President of the Ife Progressive Forum (IPF), members of the Council of Sooko, representatives of the Ife Youths Organization (IYO), Loodoko, Kabiyesis, chiefs, members of the Giesi Ruling House and other notable personalities.
Their presence reflected the significance of the occasion and the pride associated with the academic achievement of a distinguished daughter of Ile-Ife.
The gathering also demonstrated the enduring relationship between academic excellence, traditional institutions and community development.
A Remarkable Achievement for Ile-Ife
The delivery of an inaugural lecture is an important milestone in the career of a professor, providing an opportunity to share knowledge, reflect on years of academic work and contribute to intellectual discussions within and beyond the university community.
Professor Shobola's 432nd Inaugural Lecture provided an opportunity to reflect on the human mind, the responsibilities of counselling professionals and the importance of understanding the different dimensions of human well-being.
As Ile-Ife celebrates this achievement, the occasion stands as a source of pride for the professor's family, the academic community and the wider Ife community.
Congratulations to Professor Adeola Ayodeji Shobola (née Ologbenla) on the successful delivery of her inaugural lecture.
May this achievement inspire greater academic contributions, encourage deeper understanding of the human mind and promote the continued advancement of Guidance and Counselling.
YOUR OPINION MATTERS!
What does counselling mean to you?
Who counsels the counsellor when the counsellor is emotionally exhausted or confronted with personal challenges?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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