By Amaechi Agbo

The Director of ESUT Counseling and Human Development at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Prof Anthonia Ekanibe Onuorah has been inducted as a Fellow of her professional body, Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON).

The investiture was unveiled on August 20, 2024 during the association’s 48th International Conference held at Warri, Delta State

Prof. A. E. Onuorah is the Chairperson of CASSON Enugu State and also a fellow of the International Institute of Chartered Educational Practitioners (IICEP).

The Head of Department of Guidance and Counselling, ESUT, who beamed with delight and joy over the investiture, expressed gratitude to the CASSON President and Executive members, Enugu State Wing and the management of ESUT for their support.

A dedicated pedagogist who rose from the ranks, Prof A.E Onuorah has distinguished herself in her career winning several awards to signpost her dedication to duty.

Her commitment to duty earned her the envious Faculty of Education, ESUT, 2011 Merit Award as the best coordinator of Post-Graduate Studies. This was followed by the best lecturer award in the Department of Educational Foundations in 2012/2013 academic session. She also got the Award of Excellence in the Educational Development of Enugu State by the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), Enugu State Chapter in October, 2014.

In addition, she was honoured as the Best Lecturer of the year and mother of the Department of Guidance and Counselling (2014/2015); Most Caring Lecturer (2015/2016); Most Dedicated Lecturer in 2019.

As if this is not enough, the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in 2018 honoured her as a Pillar and Patroness of their association. This was crowned in 2022 by the African Youth Development Council (AYDC) with the 2022 African Outstanding Leadership and Personality Award in recognition of her contributions towards Community Development, Entrepreneurship, Capacity building, Peer Education, National Youth Policy and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria.

As an academic giant, consummate orator, a prolific and incisive writer, Prof. Onuorah (Ph.D) is a mentor to young academics, a member of nine (9) scientific/professional organisations. She is also an editor to five (5) renowned journals. She has attended 89 National and International Conferences, workshops and seminars where she delivered many thought-provoking academic papers that have earned her 78 works that have been published in numerous learned journals. Her skills in organizing conferences, workshops and seminars and going the extra mile in ensuring that the proceedings are published is second to none.

She has served as a treasurer, vice chairperson, and currently the chairperson to CASSON, Enugu state chapter. She assisted in developing the initial counselling programme being used in all the secondary schools in Enugu State.

CASSON Objective

Established in 1959 at Oke Ado, Ibadan. the Counselling Association of Nigeria is a National Professional body of trained, registered and Licensed Counsellors. It draws membership from all Educational Institutions, Prisons, the Health Sector, Schools, NGOs, Rehabilitating Centres, the media, Government Agencies, Individuals, Religious groups, among others

CASSON’s objective is to assist individuals and corporate bodies to explore their environments discover their strength and weakness (es), (potentials) talents and skills, so as to determine their needs set personal realistic goals, and adjust suitably to achieve them in harmony with their environments.