ASP Eunice Erima Ayuba, PhD: Trailblazer in policing and psychology
…Deserves due recognition
By James Ibechi
Sometime last year, at an event in Guzape, Abuja, I had the privilege of crossing paths with a gallant female officer of the Nigeria Police Force. It was during Comr. Oloko Ralph Ogbaji’s birthday celebration. She was not in uniform, yet her urbane and disciplined disposition caught my attention.
A deeper look into her profile revealed a woman whose story embodies resilience, intellect, and an unfliching commitment to service.
First, a hearty congratulations to ASP Dr. Eunice Erima Ayuba on recently earning her PhD in Clinical Psychology! Attaining a doctorate is a remarkable feat on its own, but achieving it while serving in a profession that demands round-the-clock dedication makes it even more extraordinary.
The Nigeria Police Force is not widely known for fostering academic excellence, yet Dr. Ayuba has defied the odds, breaking barriers in both law enforcement and psychology. She is not just another officer in the force; she is a pioneer.
As Nigeria’s first female Police Clinical Psychologist and female Psychometrician, she has seamlessly blended law enforcement with psychological expertise. Her groundbreaking work in translating and validating the Beck Depression Inventory into Hausa has revolutionized mental health diagnosis, ensuring that millions in indigenous communities can now access proper screening and treatment for depression. This contribution has placed Nigeria on the global mental health research map.
Yet, the system that should recognize and reward her achievements seems to remain indifferent.
Born on February 21, 1979, in Obi-Agwala, Ainu, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, Dr. Ayuba enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force in 2000. Her career, spanning over two decades, is a testament to discipline and excellence.
From administration and investigation in Makurdi to undercover operations in Rivers State and later lecturing at the Police Staff College, Jos, she has trained some of the finest minds in the force—officers who now hold positions as Commissioners of Police and Assistant Inspectors General.
Yet, despite receiving multiple commendations and being recommended for special promotion, she remains in the same rank, waiting for a system that seems to overlook merit.
Her academic journey speaks for itself. From a National Diploma in Accounting (2004) to a BSc in Psychology (2011), MSc (2016), Postgraduate Diploma in Education (2019), and now a PhD in 2024, Dr. Ayuba has proven that knowledge and law enforcement can go hand in hand.
She has further honed her expertise at prestigious institutions like the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Center, Accra, Ghana, and has served as a psychologist intern in top hospitals, including Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, COCIN Hospital, Vom, and Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
She is a licensed clinical psychologist and a member of the Nigeria Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP).
The saying goes that a lamp should not be hidden under a bushel. Yet, here we are.
If hard work, brilliance, and service truly matter, Dr. Ayuba’s well-deserved promotion should not be delayed any further. The Nigeria Police Force must rise to the occasion and set a precedent that excellence will always be rewarded.
The ball is now in the court of the authorities. Will they do the right thing?
Time will tell.
