Career Week: Grassroots University urges greater action on mental health

Baze University, Abuja, has concluded its eighth Career Week Program (BaCWeP) with a call for greater action on mental health, urging students and staff to take practical steps to promote wellbeing and lead productive lives.

The two-day programme, which took place from 6 to 7 October 2026, was organized by the University’s Student Support Unit (Centre for Counseling and Human Development), in collaboration with the Faculties, under the theme ‘Mental Health Priorities: Beyond Lip Service’.

The program began with a mental health awareness walk at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), where the Baze University delegation was received by Dr. Godwin Orukpe, who represented the medical director. The delegation also visited the hospital facilities under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha Hassan, Head of the Department of Mental Health.

A free medical check-up was subsequently carried out at Baze University, offering members of the university community the opportunity to assess their health status and reinforcing the importance of prioritizing both physical and mental well-being.

The second day featured a symposium including lectures, interactive sessions and discussions with mental health professionals and advocates on issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, coping mechanisms, early help-seeking and peer support.

Speaking at the symposium, Baze University Vice-Chancellor Professor Abiodun Adeniyi praised the programme’s focus on mental health awareness and highlighted the need to move beyond conversations towards practical action.

He said the theme is in line with the medical community’s global efforts to promote greater awareness and understanding of mental health, stressing that mental health conditions should be treated with the same seriousness and care as other illnesses.

His remarks highlighted the need to challenge stigma, encourage early intervention and ensure that mental wellbeing receives adequate attention within educational institutions and society at large.

Symposium discussions also examined the relationship between mental health, academic performance and career development, highlighting the importance of emotional and psychological well-being in making sound career decisions and supporting professional growth.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, represented by her Chief of Staff, Muhammad Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth development and mental well-being.

He encouraged students to prioritize their mental health and called for more accessible and stigma-free support systems for young people.

Other speakers included Hajia Hauwa Liman, author of the My Mind Book Project, and Halima Nuradeen, a mental health volunteer (VMH). They shared practical insights on how to cope with mental health challenges, seek help early and build supportive peer networks.

The program also highlighted the role of Baze University’s Counseling and Human Development Center in providing a safe and supportive environment where students can access guidance, counseling and career assistance without fear of stigmatisation.

Speaking on the importance of the programme, Head of the Student Support Unit, Ms VS Tarka, said Baze University is committed to amplifying conversations around mental health and ensuring that students and staff understand the importance of mental wellbeing to their personal and professional development.

She said the University has a responsibility to bring greater visibility to the experiences and voices of people living with mental health issues, while providing members of its community with the knowledge and support needed to protect their well-being.

According to her, the focus on mental health was also intended to help students make informed career decisions, achieve healthy career progression and maintain career stability.

He explained that the choice of theme, “Prioritizing mental health: beyond lip service,” was deliberate, given the often overlooked mental health challenges young people face.

She added that the program was designed to shift the conversation from awareness to practical action by encouraging early intervention, help-seeking and stronger support networks within the campus community.

Career Week 8 concluded with students describing the program as thorough, timely, and impactful.

The initiative further strengthened Baze University’s commitment to the holistic development of its students and staff by recognizing mental well-being as an essential component of academic success, career development and overall quality of life.