Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale, has bemoaned the complexity of mental health issues in students.
Besides, the don listed academic pressure, social isolation, family difficulties, and substance abuse as some of the growing issues surrounding the disorder.
He said the challenges are compounded by pervasive impact of social media and the stigma surrounding mental health discussions.
Adebowale spoke at a one-day capacity-building programme, focused on equipping frontline university staff – hall wardens, sub-deans, and university health professionals with essential para-counselling skills for managing students’ mental health.
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He promised that the citadel of knowledge would promote a mental health-friendly campus culture, by dismantling stigma and ensuring no student feels ashamed or afraid to seek help.
Noting that mental health is everyone’s responsibility, he said by investing in students emotional and psychological well-being, UI secures their success, personal and professional fulfilment.
Adebowale said the university is one of the only three institutions in sub-Saharan Africa with a dedicated mental health policy, pledging that its leadership would invest in expanding counselling, training opportunities, and mental health advocacy.
A psychiatrist and lead facilitator at the event, Dr. Jibril Abdulmalik, decried the shortage of mental health professionals.He said the country has 300 psychiatrists, making it crucial to train non-specialist staff in basic mental health support skills.
On training and empowerment, he said frontline staff will be trained on para-counselling and psychological first aid, enabling them to detect, respond to signs of mental distress in students.
With the training in partnership with PRUMES and TETFUND Project, he said the trio will work collaboratively to sustain and expand mental health service workshops, and outreach programmes.