Why is it Important for Chaplains in Nigeria to Embrace Professional Practice for the Needed Recognition?

Why is it Important for Chaplains in Nigeria to Embrace Professional Practice for the Needed Recognition?

Many chaplaincy leaders have made us to believe that the government of the federation has not given chaplaincy profession the needed recognition. This claim and statement is not only untrue but also deceptive.

Going down the memory lane, starting with the democratic government in Nigeria, since the year 1999 to date, the record shows that chaplaincy has always been given its rightful place as follows:-

In the year 1999AD to 2003AD, the Aso Villa chaplain, was on a secondment from a particular denomination. In the year 2003AD to 2015AD, the Aso Villa chaplain was also seconded by a particular denomination.

In the year 2015AD to date, the Aso Villa chaplain is also seconded by a particular denomination in Nigeria.

At the state levels too, chaplaincy is given the right of place; only clerics and pastors who know nothing or little about chaplaincy were appointed to do chaplaincy duties in the state level.

These chaplains have no chaplaincy training nor do they know anything about professional chaplaincy practice and service delivery. This may not be too far from the kind of indiscipline demonstrated in the society by those who claim to be chaplains in this nation.

NB: The governments at the center as well as those at the state levels have done nobly by given chaplaincy profession its rightful place.

Practicing professional chaplains should therefore arise distinguish themselves to enable them fill their places occupied by pastors who are not trained chaplains.

We must learn to stop seeking cheap popularity but be committed to the actual practice of chaplaincy and service delivery which is capable of earning us the recognition we have been seeking.

Practicing chaplains must learn to be disciplined and stop impersonating the military or para-military. The sky remains our staring point not the limit if we care to do things rightly now.

Let us embrace professionalism and proper chaplaincy training and our place shall be granted us. God bless you all.

Chap. Prof. David Mike-Jacobs JP.

Certified Chaplaincy Educator