Mental health advocate and Team Lead of THRYVE Network, a mental health non-governmental organisation, Obiageli Nnadi, has called for lecturers and other academic staff in Nigerian tertiary institutions to be trained to recognise warning signs of suicidal behaviour among students.
Nnadi’s call comes amid reports of a number of suicide cases involving students and young people in Nigeria in recent years, with academic pressure, financial difficulties, social isolation and emotional distress among factors frequently associated with reported cases.
At least eight cases involving university students were reported between January and June 2024.
Among the reported cases was that of Adaeze Jaja, a 400-level student of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, whose death was reported in January 2024. Another case involved Jamima Shetima Balami, a National Diploma II student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State, who was also reported dead in January.
In February 2024, Rashidat Shittu, a 400-level Accounting student of Kwara State University, was reportedly found dead after allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance.
A final-year student of Ebonyi State University, Favour Ugwuka, was also reported to have died by suicide in May 2024, while the body of Modupe Ayandare, a final-year student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, was reportedly discovered in June.
The reported cases have continued beyond 2024.
In February 2025, a 200-level student of the University of Ilorin was reported to have died by suicide amid financial difficulties. In May, a 19-year-old girl in Lagos, identified by neighbours as Timilehin, reportedly took her own life after receiving her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination result.
In August 2025, a 200-level Dentistry student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ajibola Ibitayo, was reported to have died by suicide after learning that he would have to repeat Part Two for another academic year.
Another reported case occurred in December 2025 involving a student of the Yola Campus of the Nigerian Law School, Ayomiposi Ojajuni, who allegedly died after being prevented from taking his final bar examination.
In August 2026, a 23-year-old Nigerian Law School student, Faith Alayande, was reportedly found dead at the institution’s Victoria Island campus in Lagos in an incident described as suicide by reports.
And in September 2026, a 500-level student of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Oluwole Oluwaseun, was reportedly found dead in an apartment in Ile-Ife, with preliminary police investigations reportedly indicating suicide.
The incidents have raised concerns about the pressures confronting young people in tertiary institutions and the ability of schools to identify students experiencing severe emotional distress before a crisis occurs.
Public health experts have identified academic and life stress, financial difficulties, mental health conditions, social isolation, bullying, abuse and substance use among factors that can increase suicide risk among young people.
Academic pressure can become particularly difficult for students facing repeated examinations, poor results, prolonged programmes, financial constraints or uncertainty about their future.
Experts have also warned that many cases of suicidal thoughts and attempts may never be reported, making it difficult to establish the full scale of the problem.
The World Health Organisation has identified suicide as a major public health concern globally, while young people remain particularly vulnerable. In Africa, suicide rates have been reported to be higher than the global average in several countries.
Nnadi therefore urged tertiary institutions to strengthen their mental health support systems and ensure that lecturers and other academic staff are equipped to identify students who may be struggling.
She called for regular training of lecturers, counsellors and other university personnel on recognising warning signs of suicidal ideation and responding appropriately.
According to her, early identification could provide an opportunity for distressed students to be connected with professional help before their condition escalates.
“Understanding the core risk factors and implementing proactive measures can significantly reduce suicide risk among students,” Nnadi told THE WHISTLER.
“Train school counselors, lecturers and staff to recognize warning signs and screen students regularly for depression and distress.”
She also advocated stronger peer-support networks and inclusive campus environments that would help students develop a sense of belonging and reduce social isolation.
Nnadi recommended that institutions introduce programmes that teach students coping skills, emotional regulation, stress management and problem-solving, particularly for those struggling with academic and personal pressures.
She further called for improved access to professional mental health services and direct referral systems for students considered to be at risk.
The mental health advocate also stressed the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, urging institutions to continuously sensitise students, parents and academic staff about mental health challenges and suicide prevention.
She advocated mental health awareness sessions for parents and students, as well as training for lecturers on how to support students experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Nnadi also called for student adjustment programmes to assist young people struggling to cope with academic demands, financial difficulties, major life changes and other sources of distress.
As September marks Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, mental health advocates are using the period to draw attention to suicide prevention and the importance of early intervention.
Rather than waiting until a student reaches crisis point, Nnadi’s recommendations emphasise prevention, early identification, access to professional care and stronger support systems within educational institutions.
