At Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), discussions around mental health are beginning to take centre stage. The university community is coming to terms with the connection between emotional well-being and productivity, ultimately recognising its impact on national growth.
Worried by the rising cases of mental health challenges in the country, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, has called for a joint effort among health experts, policymakers, and institutions to tackle the problem.
She made the call during the 55th Inaugural Lecture of the university, delivered by Prof. Emmanuel Alhassan of the Department of Psychology. Prof. Liman said mental health has become a significant concern in today’s fast-paced world and that Nigeria cannot afford to ignore it.
“The World Health Organisation estimates that mental health disorders affect millions globally, resulting in economic losses and social burdens,” she noted. “In Nigeria, the situation is dire, with limited access to mental health services and little awareness about these issues.”
She explained that the theme of the lecture, “From Mental Health to National Wealth: Psychology as a National Development Imperative,” emphasises the importance of investing in mental health as part of national development.
In his lecture, Prof. Alhassan urged both federal and state governments to fully implement the Mental Health Act 2023 and integrate mental health into national development plans. He proposed that Nigeria should adopt a 10-year strategy to strengthen psychological and mental health services across all sectors.
“Health insurance should cover psychological services,” he said. “We also need to allocate a fixed percentage of healthcare budgets to mental health, and make sure the funds are released and properly used.”
He called on faith leaders to help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help. “We must move from mental health to mental wealth, from neglect to investment, and from silence to action,” he said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Yahaya Adadu, commended Prof. Alhassan for focusing his research on an issue that affects many but receives little attention.
As the discussion grows on campus, NSUK is showing that taking care of mental health is not just about well-being; it is also about building a stronger, more productive nation.
