online pre-marital course
The Lagos State Government has launched an online pre-marital course for pastors, imams and marriage counsellors as part of a broader effort to strengthen family relationships and prevent domestic violence across the state.
The initiative, introduced by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), is designed to equip religious leaders and counsellors with structured knowledge and practical tools to guide couples preparing for marriage.
Officials say the online pre-marital course responds to the reality that many couples in Nigeria receive their first marriage guidance from faith-based institutions rather than government marriage registries.
By formalising that process through training, Lagos authorities hope to improve the quality of counselling offered to intending couples.
Why Lagos Introduced the Online Pre-Marital Course
According to the DSVA, the online pre-marital course forms part of the state’s broader strategy to prevent sexual and gender-based violence by strengthening relationships before marriage begins.
Executive Secretary of the agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, explained that research has shown that many cases of domestic violence begin long before couples appear in courtrooms.
Instead, early warning signs often appear during courtship or early marriage.
The online pre-marital course therefore aims to equip pastors, imams and counsellors with the knowledge needed to recognise potential risks and guide couples toward healthier relationships.
In Lagos and many other parts of Nigeria, religious leaders hold significant influence over how couples understand marriage.
Churches and mosques often provide the first level of marital counselling, offering advice on communication, conflict resolution and expectations in marriage.
Because of this role, officials believe strengthening the capacity of religious counsellors can have a direct impact on the stability of families.
Structure of the Online Pre-Marital Course
The newly introduced online pre-marital course is delivered through a digital platform that allows participants to learn at their own pace.
The programme includes a series of modules designed by experts in relationship counselling, psychology and family life education.
According to DSVA, the training combines faith-based guidance with modern relationship science, providing participants with practical frameworks for advising couples.
The online pre-marital course also includes case studies, quizzes and interactive exercises designed to help counsellors apply their knowledge to real-life counselling scenarios.
Participants who complete the programme will receive certification, which officials say is intended to promote professionalism and accountability in faith-based marriage counselling.
Authorities believe the certification element will encourage more structured counselling practices among religious leaders.
https://ogelenews.ng/online-pre-marital-course-pastors-imams-counsellors
Strengthening Marriage Counselling in Lagos
Experts say the introduction of the online pre-marital course reflects a growing recognition that marriage preparation plays a critical role in preventing family conflict and domestic abuse.
Historically, pre-marital counselling in many religious institutions relied heavily on spiritual teachings and informal discussions.
While those approaches provided guidance, they sometimes lacked structured frameworks for identifying relationship risk factors.
The Lagos programme attempts to bridge that gap by integrating psychological insights and evidence-based relationship education into traditional counselling practices.
Officials say the online pre-marital course also introduces participants to key concepts in sexual and gender-based violence prevention.
These include recognising early warning signs of abusive relationships, promoting respect and equality in marriage, and encouraging healthy communication between partners.
Collaboration with Religious Institutions
The launch of the online pre-marital course reflects collaboration between government agencies and religious organisations across Lagos.
Faith groups including Christian and Islamic institutions participated in the development and rollout of the programme.
Officials say this partnership is essential because religious leaders are often trusted advisers for couples preparing for marriage.
By equipping pastors, imams and counsellors with updated knowledge and tools, the government hopes to create a network of trained counsellors capable of guiding couples toward stable and respectful relationships.
The initiative also aligns with Lagos State’s broader “Zero Tolerance” policy on domestic violence.
Authorities believe prevention strategies such as the online pre-marital course can help reduce incidents of abuse by addressing relationship issues before they escalate.
Implications for Families and Communities
The introduction of the online pre-marital course represents a shift toward preventive approaches in addressing family conflict and domestic violence.
Rather than focusing solely on legal enforcement after abuse occurs, the Lagos initiative emphasises education and preparation.
Officials believe this approach can contribute to healthier marriages and more stable families.
For many observers, the programme highlights the important role that faith institutions continue to play in Nigerian society.
Pastors, imams and counsellors often serve as mediators, advisers and mentors for couples navigating the challenges of marriage.
By strengthening their capacity through structured training, the Lagos government hopes to build a stronger foundation for families across the state.
As the programme expands, authorities expect more religious counsellors to enroll in the online pre-marital course and apply the knowledge gained to guide couples preparing for marriage.
If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other states seeking innovative approaches to strengthening families and preventing domestic violence in Nigeria.
https://punchng.com/lagos-begins-first-online-pre-marital-course-for-pastors-imams-counsellors
