Baze University, Abuja, has called for greater commitment to mental health awareness and support, urging students and staff to translate conversations about psychological wellbeing into practical action.
The call was made at the university’s eighth Career Week Programme (BaCWeP), held from 6 to 7 October 2026, under the theme, “Prioritisation of Mental Health: Beyond Lip Service”.
The programme was organised by the Student Support Unit, through the Counselling and Human Development Centre, in collaboration with the university’s faculties.
Activities began with a mental health awareness walk to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), where the university delegation was received by Dr Godwin Orukpe, representing the Medical Director.
The delegation also toured the hospital’s facilities, led by Dr Abdullahi Mustapha Hassan, Head of the Department of Mental Health.
A free medical screening was subsequently conducted at the university to encourage members of the community to take greater responsibility for their health.
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The second day featured a symposium that brought together professionals, mental health advocates and members of the university community to discuss stress management, anxiety, depression, coping strategies, early intervention and peer support.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, commended the organisers for placing mental health at the centre of discussions on students’ welfare and career development.
He emphasised the need to move beyond awareness campaigns and adopt practical measures that would encourage people to seek help and address the stigma associated with mental health conditions.
Adeniyi also stressed that mental health challenges should be treated with the same seriousness as other health conditions.
The symposium examined how psychological and emotional wellbeing influences academic performance, career choices and professional development, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment in helping young people achieve their potential.
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Muhammad Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth development and mental wellbeing.
He urged students to take their mental health seriously and advocated accessible, stigma-free support services for young people.
Other contributors included Hauwa Liman, author of the My Mind Book Project, and Halima Nuradeen, a Volunteer for Mental Health. They shared practical perspectives on managing emotional difficulties, seeking timely assistance and building supportive relationships among peers.
The programme also spotlighted the university’s Counselling and Human Development Centre as a resource for students seeking professional guidance and assistance in a safe and supportive environment.
The Head of the Student Support Unit, Mrs VS Tarka, said the university remained committed to promoting mental health awareness and helping students and staff understand its importance to their personal and professional lives.
She noted that educational institutions had a responsibility to recognise the experiences of people living with mental health challenges and provide the knowledge, guidance and support needed to improve their wellbeing.
According to Tarka, prioritising mental health could also help students make sound career decisions, sustain professional growth and achieve greater career stability.
She explained that the theme was chosen to address mental health concerns that often receive insufficient attention among young people.
Tarka stated that the programme was designed to encourage practical responses through early intervention, help-seeking and stronger support networks within the university community.
The Career Week concluded with students describing the sessions as timely, informative and impactful.
The programme reinforced the importance of integrating mental wellbeing into education and career planning, while underscoring Baze University’s commitment to the overall development of its students and staff.
