By Folasade Akpan
In December 2025, the reported death of Nigerian Law School student Ayomiposi Ojajuni reignited concerns about the fragile state of students’ mental health in Nigeria.
He was allegedly barred from writing the Bar Final examinations at the Yola campus in Adamawa.
The incident, though still under investigation, has once again brought to the fore the intense academic pressure, emotional strain and limited psychological support systems confronting many young people in tertiary institutions.
Ojajuni, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, was said to have received a series of queries from the school authorities and later discovered he would not be allowed to sit for the professional examinations scheduled for the same day.
Indeed, available data underscores the urgency of the issue.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in every eight people globally lives with a mental health condition, with depression and anxiety among the leading causes of illness among adolescents and young adults.
In Nigeria, experts estimate that one in four young people may be experiencing some form of mental health challenge, yet access to care remains limited due to stigma, cost and shortage of professionals.
Against this backdrop, students across universities and professional schools face mounting pressures, including heavy academic workloads, financial constraints, family expectations, and social comparisons.
Experts say these factors can greatly affect mental wellbeing if not properly managed.
Sharing his experience, Mr Funbi Phillip, a law graduate of Lead City University, Ibadan, described the mental strain associated with studying law as one of the most demanding aspects of his academic journey.
According to him, the constant pressure to keep up with coursework, assignments, legal drafting and memorisation of numerous cases often felt overwhelming.
“The most challenging part for me was the mental pressure of having to keep up with heavy coursework, assignments, drafting briefs and memorising cases.
“It is a lot, but with consistency, it becomes manageable,” he said.
Phillip emphasised that effective time management was critical to navigating the demands of law school.
“I prioritise my time based on urgency. I make sure I handle continuous assessments before focusing on exams. Everything is about planning”.
He added that a turning point in his academic journey came when he shifted from rote memorisation to a deeper understanding of legal principles, noting that success in law school requires critical thinking, strong writing skills, time management and emotional resilience.
Similarly, students in other demanding disciplines report comparable experiences.
A pharmacy undergraduate, Ms Tiamiyu Omotayo of the same institution, said balancing academic expectations with personal wellbeing and career aspirations could be challenging.
According to her, practical exposure through internships helped her cope with the rigours of pharmacy education.
“The transition from theory to clinical practice is very important. It helps you appreciate what you have learned in class,” she said.
However, she noted that one of her biggest struggles was coping with unmet personal expectations regarding academic performance.
Omotayo said that although her results were good, they did not always align with the high standards she set for herself.
To manage stress, she said she deliberately took breaks and remained focused on her long-term goals, advising prospective students to pursue the profession out of passion rather than financial expectations.
Experts say such experiences are far from isolated.
Rev. Fr. Anthony Azuwike, Head of the Department of Private and Property Law at Veritas University, Abuja, said emotional distress among young people was becoming an increasing concern.
According to him, students are particularly vulnerable because they face academic demands alongside broader socio-economic challenges.
He identified parental expectations as a major source of stress, noting that the inability to meet such expectations often leaves young people feeling overwhelmed.
Azuwike also cited financial hardship, relationship challenges and health conditions as contributing factors.
He further pointed to policy gaps in Nigeria’s mental health framework.
While acknowledging the Mental Health Act signed in 2023 as a step forward, he noted that it does not fully decriminalise attempted suicide nationwide.
“The law recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency, which is progress.
“However, it does not explicitly decriminalise it, despite growing understanding that such cases require care rather than punishment,” he said.
He stressed that institutions have a duty to protect students’ wellbeing through accessible counselling services, confidentiality and supportive environments that discourage stigma.
Corroborating this view, mental health professionals highlight systemic challenges.
Mrs Rosemary Uwaleme, a mental health counsellor at Inspire Minds Services, said emotional distress among Nigerian undergraduates was widespread.
She attributed this to financial difficulties, unstable family backgrounds and limited access to support systems.
“Many students do not seek help because of stigma. There is also the issue of cost and the limited availability of services on campuses,” she said.
Uwaleme called for stronger counselling systems, increased awareness and regular training for mental health professionals within educational institutions.
In the same vein, psychologists emphasise preventive approaches.
Prof. Remi Alarape of the University of Ibadan urged tertiary institutions to establish robust mental health support systems to prevent students in distress from reaching breaking points.
“Without effective coping strategies, students may equate failure in examinations with failure in life. This can lead to deep emotional distress,” he said.
He advocated a culture that prioritises wellbeing alongside academic achievement and encourages open conversations about mental health.
Beyond institutions, civil society organisations are also stepping in.
The Dora-Care Behavioral Foundation recently organised a Mental Health First Aid outreach for students in Lagos, aimed at equipping young people with knowledge and basic support skills.
Its founder, Ms Akinyelure Feyikemi, said early awareness was key to building resilience among students.
“Equipping students with the tools to understand and support their mental health is crucial for raising a generation that is both academically capable and emotionally resilient,” she said.
Medical experts also underscore the link between mental and physical health.
Dr Joseph Ogba of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, described mental health as fundamental to overall wellbeing.
“There is no physical health without mental health,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Lucky Jet, Head of the Child and Adolescent Occupational Therapy Unit at the hospital, encouraged peer support among students.
“If you notice changes in a friend, reach out. Support can make a significant difference,” he said.
As conversations around mental health continue to gain traction in Nigeria, stakeholders say more coordinated action is needed.
They stress that the incident involving Ojajuni should serve as a wake-up call for institutions, families and policymakers.
Ultimately, experts agree that academic excellence must not come at the expense of psychological wellbeing.
For many, the way forward lies in strengthening campus counselling systems, reducing stigma, expanding access to care and fostering a culture where seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Only then can Nigeria’s education system produce not just academically successful graduates, but emotionally resilient individuals equipped to navigate life beyond the classroom. (NANFeatures)
