The Urgent Need for a Multi-Dimensional Campus Mental Health Intervention in Nigerian Universities: The Case of Unilorin Tim-Healthcare Programme

Abstract

The mental health of university students has become a significant cause for worry and public health concerns globally. Studies suggest that many mental health problems for example, depression, anxiety, phobia, suicidal behaviour, and substance use disorder among others, typically arise within the age bracket of 15-25 years, which coincides with the period when many individuals are pursuing higher education. Implementing structural interventions and broad organizational reforms to address student mental health has proven to be advantageous. The potential benefits that can be achieved from investing in students' mental health are improved academic performance, student success and a reduction in discontinuous school enrolment or dropout especially in resource-limited environments. This report presents a research-based multidisciplinary mental health program being implemented at a Nigerian University called the University of Ilorin Tertiary Institution Mental Health Programme (Unilorin TIM Healthcare Programme), aimed at addressing the mental health needs of tertiary institution students. The programme which incorporates preventive education such as enlightenment programs on campus, workshops on stress management, resilience building and coping strategies, amongst other initiatives has recorded significant benefits with positive feedback from the beneficiaries. It is hoped that it will be a model for other institutions within and outside Nigeria.