KWHA calls for mental health education in schools curriculum
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the Governor to direct the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to include mental health education in school curricula. This initiative aims to teach students about emotional intelligence, stress management, and self-care techniques.
The Assembly also called on the Governor to mandate the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to train teachers to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in students and provide appropriate referrals to counselors or mental health professionals.
The motion, titled “The Need for Awareness on Mental Health and Counseling in Basic, Junior, and Senior Secondary Schools in Kwara State” (KWHAM 36), was moved by Hon. Maryam Yusuf (Ilorin South) and seconded by Hon. Mohammed Baba Salihu (Okuta/Yashikira) during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Leading the debate, Hon. Maryam Yusuf emphasized that mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, affecting how people think, feel, and behave. She noted that mental health remains a neglected topic in Nigeria’s educational curriculum, even as students face significant challenges such as academic pressure, family issues, and social and emotional struggles.
Hon. Yusuf warned that without adequate awareness and support systems, these challenges could escalate into long-term mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression, which negatively impact students’ concentration, dependability, energy levels, academic performance, and future prospects.
She further expressed concern that unresolved mental and emotional challenges are often linked to issues such as substance abuse, violence, bullying, inappropriate incarceration, suicide, poor quality of life, sexual exploitation, truancy, and cultism.
Hon. Yusuf advocated for integrating mental health awareness and counseling into school programs to foster students’ emotional, social, and academic development. She highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment where students can express their concerns and learn essential coping mechanisms. Counseling, she added, helps build self-esteem, emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills critical for overall growth.
In her conclusion, Hon. Yusuf stressed that providing mental health support in schools could significantly reduce negative outcomes and foster a healthier educational environment.
The Assembly urged the Governor to direct the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to collaborate with the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare to organize seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns on mental health for students and teachers in basic, junior, and senior secondary schools across the state.
They further called for prioritizing the provision of well-equipped counseling units and recruiting trained and professional counselors in public schools across Kwara State, while mandating private schools to follow suit.
The debate saw contributions from several Honourable Members, including Hon. Abolarin Ganiyu Gabriel (Ekiti), Hon. Mohammed Kareem Musa (Patigi), Hon. Arinola Fatimah Lawal (Ilorin East), Hon. Mohammed Baba Salihu (Okuta/Yashikira), Hon. Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga (Essa/Shawo/Igboidun), Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu (Owode/Onire), Hon. Bamigboye Joseph Olajire (Oke-Ero), and Hon. Ganiyu Folabi Salau (Omupo).
