A lecturer at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Professor Matthew Olufunso Salomi, has enumerated factors responsible for the sharp  increase in mental illness and suicide cases in Nigeria, adding that all hands must be on deck to tacke the menace. 

Professor Salomi stated this at his Inaugural lecture delivered at the main campus of the University in Lapai. 

He argued that issues affecting Nigerians are numerous to the extent that the combination can trigger mental health issues of citizens as it affects them physically, economically, socially and emotionally. 

He said, “”all hands must be on deck to tackle the menace of mental health issues, starting from simple to complex, neuroses to psychoses. The chain must be broken before it gets out of hand in order to have healthy generations “.

He said that mental illness could be triggered by mental health problems such as tension, fear, extreme nervousness and depression which can lead to psychoses.

Professor Salomi listed  common fears, enxieties, frustrations and threatening technological age as other factors leading to taking ones life by potential suicide victims, adding that, ” all suicide behaviours need attention and should not be taken lightly.  Once there is any suicide attempt to end one’s life, which may be due to helplessness in life situation, the victims must as a matter of importance be attended to and given appropriate care by professionals related to his case”.

A professor of health education, Professor Salomi explained that his studies on mental health confirmed that high number of female undergraduates in higher institutions especially those in third year and fourth year are confronted with anxiety of getting a husband among their counterparts in the university. 

“Many cases of traumatic experiences were narrated and incidents of near suicide mission were witnessed on jolting by their supposed future partners “, he said, adding that every suicide threat or act should be taken seriously when the case arises; never should it be under estimated. Professionals should be consulted to find out the root cause.

In a remark, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman reiterated the unwavering commitment of the university to promoting research and innovation which directly addresse real life challenges and improve the well-being of the people.