Can we talk about something that is long overdue? The mental health of Nigerian students is in crisis. And almost nobody is paying attention. Think about everything a Nigerian student carries at once. Academic pressure to pass and make their family proud. Financial stress from not having enough. Fear of an uncertain future after graduation. Family expectations that feel impossible to meet. And all of this on a body that is sometimes underfed and a mind that never truly gets to rest. That is a heavy load. Too heavy for one person. Too heavy for young people who are still trying to figure out who they are. And when they struggle, when the anxiety becomes too much or the sadness settles in too deep, what support system is available? Counselling centres that are either nonexistent or understaffed. Lecturers who are too overwhelmed to notice. Friends who are fighting their own silent battles. Parents who mean well but don't always understand. So students suffer quietly. They smile in photos and fall apart in private. They post achievements online and cry alone at night. Some reach a breaking point that leads to outcomes too painful to mention. This has to change. Every Nigerian university should have functioning mental health support. Students should be taught that asking for help is not weakness. And we as a community should check on each other more. You are not alone in what you are feeling. 💙 Are you okay? And if not, do you have someone to talk to? We care. 👇
