By Mustafa Abubakar and Felicia Samuel
The Ag. Director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre (UCHDC), University of Ilorin, Dr Mulikat L. A. Mustapha, has called for collective actions against suicide by breaking the silence, reducing stigma, and promoting hope.
Dr Mustapha made the call last Wednesday (September 10, 2025) in an interview with UNILORIN Bulletin on the commemoration of the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day with the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, which was observed globally.
Dr Mustapha, who is also an Associate Professor at the Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling, explained that the theme underscores the need for empathy, open dialogue, and systemic support in addressing suicide.
“Changing the narrative means moving from silence and stigma to compassion and support. Suicide is not a moral failing but a cry for help. By telling stories of resilience and showing empathy, we can make it clear that hope is always possible,” she said.
Highlighting the Nigerian context, Dr Mustapha expressed concern over the rising cases of suicide, particularly among young people.
She said, “Mental health awareness is growing in Nigeria, but cultural taboos and stigma still prevent many from seeking help. Among our youths, academic pressure, unemployment, and social isolation are serious risk factors. We must break these barriers and encourage honest, non-judgmental conversations about mental health.”
Speaking on the role of UNILORIN, Dr Mustapha explained that the Counselling and Human Development Centre provides confidential counselling services, crisis intervention, peer support training, and awareness campaigns designed to empower students to look out for one another.
“Schools must prioritise mental health support as part of their core responsibility. Beyond academics, we must create safe spaces where students feel seen, heard, and supported,” she noted.
Dr Mustapha also stressed the role of families and communities in suicide prevention.
“When judgement is replaced with compassion, more lives can be saved. Families must listen more, friends must check in on one another, and communities must provide safe spaces for people to open up. Sometimes, simply listening and showing care can make the difference between life and death,” she emphasised.
On the way forward, she urged the government and stakeholders to strengthen suicide prevention efforts nationwide.
According to her, “Government must provide toll-free helplines, integrate counselling services in schools and workplaces, train frontline health workers to identify early signs of distress, and promote responsible media reporting. Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility from health professionals to religious leaders, policymakers, and the media.”
Reflecting on her counselling practice, Dr Mustapha reaffirmed that suicide is preventable.
“I have seen people emerge from very dark times and go on to find new meaning in life. Human beings are far more resilient than they often realise. Our strongest weapon against suicide is hope, and hope grows when people feel connected and supported,” she concluded.
