The recent tragic death of Ajibola Ibitayo, a promising dental student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), following what appears to be an academic setback, is a heartbreaking reminder of the silent struggles many young people face in Nigerian universities.

This incident is not an isolated one. It echoes the profound losses seen across the country, from the student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) who took his own life after academic struggles in 2017, to the two students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 2019 who succumbed to the pressures of an unyielding academic system and mental distress.

These alarming cases call for urgent and comprehensive action. It’s time we acknowledge that the pressures of academic life, combined with a lack of accessible mental health support, are creating a national mental health crisis among our youths.

As a mental health coach and professional counselor, I am deeply concerned, and I believe it’s time for a fundamental shift in our approach to student welfare.

The unbearable weight of academic pressure
​For many Nigerian students, university education is the key to a better future, and the pressure to succeed is immense. Students are often burdened by the weight of family expectations and the societal belief that academic failure is a personal and irredeemable disgrace. 

This high-stake  environment can turn academic setbacks, like failing an exam or having to repeat a year, into catastrophic events. We have seen this repeatedly—from the DELSU nursing student who committed suicide after dropping out, to the numerous cases linked directly to academic struggles at institutions like University of Porthacourt and Kogi State University.

The tragic misconception about Ajibola Ibitayo’s exam results—that he was wrongly told he had failed—highlights just how fragile a person’s mental state can be when their entire sense of self-worth is tied to their academic performance. It’s hightime we must reframe our understanding of failure, teaching our young people that setbacks are not the end of the road but an opportunity for growth and redirection.

The critical need for professional support
​While universities like OAU have expressed condolences and urged students to seek help, the reality is that the mental health infrastructure in many Nigerian institutions is woefully inadequate. 

Counseling professionals are under-engaged, counseling centers are not given adequate priority, and where they exist, they are often understaffed, poorly funded, or simply not integrated into the student support system effectively. The call for students to seek help is hollow if there are no qualified professionals available to provide it.

This is where the government must step in. We need a national policy that mandates the presence of trained mental health professionals, therapists, and professional counselors in every university and tertiary institution across the country. 

These professionals are not a luxury; they are a necessity. They can provide the lifeline that struggling students need, offering a safe space to discuss their challenges, develop coping mechanisms, and navigate the emotional and psychological turmoil that comes with academic and life pressures.

A call to action: Embracing a culture of care
​Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach:
Government intervention: The government should invest in and prioritise mental healthcare in educational institutions. This includes funding, policy development, and creating a framework for accessible and confidential services.

University responsibility: Institutions must proactively integrate mental health into their student welfare programmes. This includes regular mental health awareness campaigns, stress management workshops, and making sure students know exactly where and how to access help.

Community and Peer Support: Student associations and peers have a vital role to play. We must foster a culture of empathy and vigilance, where students look out for one another and know how to support a friend in distress. Encouraging open conversations about mental health can help break down the stigma that prevents many from seeking help.

The loss of Ajibola Ibitayo and the many others who have tragically fallen to this crisis is a profound tragedy that should not be forgotten. Their stories must serve as a catalyst for change. We cannot afford to lose more promising minds to a silent crisis that we have the power to address.

It’s time for the government, universities, and society as a whole to prioritise the mental well-being of our youths and ensure they have the support they need to thrive, not just academically, but as whole, healthy individuals.

Government and other relevant agencies can collaborate with professional counseling institutions like Attitude Development International (ADI), to intensify advocacy on mental wellness as well as train many more individuals as professional counselors and mental health therapists that people can engage with as the need arises.

Padonu is a professional counselor and mental wellness coach. She wrote from Lagos.