SURPIN equips youths through suicide prevention research and education

The Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN), Nigeria’s foremost national suicide prevention organization, is preparing for its annual national conference, which will feature a groundbreaking competition aimed at engaging youths in suicide prevention research. This year’s conference, scheduled for September 28, 2024, will bring together students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the country, allowing them to showcase innovative research on mental health and suicide prevention.

Dr. Raphael Ogbolu, a Consultant Psychiatrist and the Founder of SURPIN, emphasized the importance of involving young people in suicide prevention efforts. He noted that SURPIN’s mission includes reducing suicide rates through a combination of community-based approaches, crisis intervention, improved record-keeping, and high-quality research. “Over the last few years, we’ve targeted youths and creativity as essential to our mission. This national competition encourages students to engage deeply with suicide prevention research. On Saturday, six students will present their research work for evaluation by a panel of judges.

“SURPIN first launched the national competition in 2022 as a way to encourage research among young people, recognizing that innovative solutions often come from new perspectives. he competition started with a call for research proposals from young people in secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the country, focusing on ‘Promoting mental well-being, with particular focus on suicide prevention, depression and as drug abuse’. The entries were grouped into the 7 SURPIN zones (Lagos and the six geopolitical zones) and they were then screened by expert researchers in those zones. These research proposals from the zonal finalists were then assessed by a panel of judges from across the country who are experts in the field of research. The results of the judges scores were announced live at the conference leading to the awarding of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, for secondary and tertiary categories, with seed money to begin their research. In 2023, we faced some challenges and couldn’t hold the event, but this year, we are back with renewed focus. We strongly believe that research drives innovation, and it’s our goal to make this competition an annual event. By supporting young minds, we are educating and empowering the next generation to play an active role in suicide prevention.

Ogbolu added: “The initiative is also a part of SURPIN’s broader strategy to engage Nigeria’s youth in meaningful ways. The suicide calls we get from young people through our hotlines has been considerably high, making it more critical than ever to foster awareness and provide the tools needed to address mental health challenges. We are focused on youths because they are increasingly vulnerable to suicide risks.”

Titi Tade, the Training Coordinator at SURPIN, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in their programs. “Our work is all-inclusive. We do not discriminate in any way. We welcome everyone. In addition to the national competition, SURPIN runs several other programs aimed at promoting mental health awareness and education. For instance, we have a weekly program every Thursday where we invite the public to ask questions and learn about mental health issues. This is one way we actively involve people, especially youths, in mental health education and suicide prevention.”

Since it’s inception in 2017, SURPIN has developed a comprehensive and structured approach to suicide prevention, focusing on early treatment for depression, drug abuse, and other key risk factors for suicide. The initiative operates in 35 states across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a network of over 100 professionals. These experts include psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, medical social workers, public health physicians, family physicians, occupational therapists, and pharmacists, all working together to reduce the risk of suicide across the country.

As SURPIN continues to expand its reach, the organization remains committed to its core mission of promoting research, crisis intervention, and community education. With this year’s conference and competition, SURPIN aims to further strengthen youth involvement in suicide prevention, helping to create a future where mental health challenges can be addressed with greater awareness, empathy, and innovation.