UNIZIK Strengthens Students’ Mental Health Support with Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaign
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding students’ mental health and emotional well-being through a Peer Educator Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaign themed “Life is Worth Living: Together We Can Prevent Suicide.”
The awareness programme, held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the ASUU Secretariat, brought together university management representatives, mental health professionals, peer educators, members of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, students and other stakeholders to address the growing challenge of suicide among young people and promote early intervention through peer support.
Declaring the programme open, Dr. Ikechukwu Nwosu of the Department of Guidance and Counselling described suicide as a preventable tragedy that continues to claim lives due to inadequate awareness and delayed intervention. He stressed that preventing suicide is a collective responsibility and encouraged participants to pay close attention to the presentations, noting that the knowledge acquired could help save lives.
In her welcome address, the Convener of the campaign and CWFL Fellow, Rev. Sister Dr. Chrysantus Onwurah, said the initiative was designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to recognise suicide warning signs, provide peer support and encourage professional intervention.
She appreciated the support of the Institute for Global Engagement’s Centre for Women, Faith and Leadership, ASUU UNIZIK Branch, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, and the Student Affairs Unit for their contributions to the success of the programme.
According to her, students in tertiary institutions frequently face academic pressure, financial difficulties, relationship challenges and emotional distress, all of which may increase vulnerability to depression and suicidal thoughts. Citing the World Health Organisation, she noted that many individuals who die by suicide suffer from diagnosable mental health conditions, emphasising that suicide is often a permanent response to temporary problems.
She therefore urged students to become compassionate peer educators by listening without judgment, identifying warning signs and encouraging those experiencing emotional distress to seek professional help.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, reaffirmed the University’s unwavering commitment to students’ welfare. He encouraged students to speak up about issues affecting their mental and emotional well-being, assuring them that the Student Affairs Office remains accessible to every student in need of support. He stressed that suicide should never be viewed as a solution to life’s challenges.
The campaign featured practical and interactive presentations by trained peer educators on suicide awareness and prevention. Ogbule Triumphant Otitochukwu reviewed documented suicide cases in Nigerian tertiary institutions, identifying academic pressure, financial hardship, emotional trauma and psychological distress as major risk factors.
Speaking on students’ mental health, Jennifer Chikaodili explained that good mental health enables individuals to cope effectively with stress, make sound decisions and maintain healthy relationships. She identified excessive academic workload, financial challenges, relationship problems, substance abuse and lack of contentment as common factors that may contribute to depression and suicidal ideation.
Other presentations examined suicide and suicidal ideation, recognising individuals at risk, myths and misconceptions about suicide, psychosocial support mechanisms and healthy coping strategies for academic stress. Presenters emphasised empathy, confidentiality, effective communication, early intervention, proper time management, healthy living, adequate rest and regular exercise as practical approaches to preventing suicide.
The Director of the Centre for Counselling and Career Development (CCCD), Prof. Harry Nwosu, represented by Dr. Onuoha Okechukwu, advised participants to immediately refer individuals exhibiting suicidal tendencies to trained mental health professionals instead of attempting to manage such situations alone. He reminded students that counselling services and career advisers are available across the University to provide the necessary guidance and support.
In her closing remarks, Rev. Sister Dr. Chrysantus Onwurah expressed gratitude to all partners, facilitators, peer educators and participants for contributing to the success of the campaign. She encouraged students to remain advocates for mental health awareness and continue supporting one another in building a compassionate and emotionally healthy university community.
Highlights of the event included role-plays, the “Life is Worth Living” drama presentation and cultural dance performances, all reinforcing the campaign’s message that every life is valuable and worth living.