POGSASS hosts mental health symposium
By Isaac Lewu
The Postgraduate Students Association (POGSASS), University of Ilorin, has organised a Mental Health Symposium, themed “Navigating Mental Health Challenges: Support & Strategy for Students.”
The event, which was held penultimate Monday (April 27, 2026) at the University Auditorium, brought together academics, professionals, and students to address growing mental health concerns within the academic community. It featured expert discussions, interactive sessions, and strategic conversations aimed at strengthening student support systems.
In his opening address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, highlighted the urgency of addressing mental health challenges among students.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Mukhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, noted that increasing economic and social pressures have significantly impacted students’ wellbeing, leading to a rise in mental health-related cases across campuses.
The Vice-Chancellor observed that the erosion of traditional African support systems, due to urbanisation, has made it imperative for institutions to establish structured and reliable support mechanisms.
He added that proactive intervention is no longer optional, stressing that recent trends show a disturbing increase in depression and suicide cases among students.
He disclosed that the University is developing emergency response systems to promptly identify and assist students in distress.
Prof. Egbewole also called for a revival of consistent human connection, encouraging students and staff to maintain open communication and regularly check on one another, and commended the organisers and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to student welfare.
In his remarks, the Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Friday Nwosu, described the symposium as a vital platform for students to share experiences and learn effective coping strategies.
He noted that such initiatives create safe spaces that foster belonging and reassure students that they are not alone in navigating postgraduate challenges.
Prof. Nwosu encouraged active participation, urging students to engage in discussions and utilise available institutional support systems designed for their wellbeing.
He reaffirmed the University’s readiness to strengthen mental health support through awareness campaigns, expanded counselling services, and a more supportive academic environment, stressing that academic success should never come at the expense of personal health.
The Convener of the symposium and Vice President of the POGSASS, Miss Omowumi Magret Odeleye, described the event as a response to growing mental health concerns among students.
She explained that the association identified gaps in awareness and support, prompting the need for a programme that equips students with practical coping strategies.
Miss Odeleye added that the symposium brought together experts from diverse fields to ensure a holistic discussion, emphasising that mental health should no longer be treated as a taboo but as a critical aspect of student life.
One of the guest speakers, Dr Hafisat Abolore Ameen of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health,University of Ilorin, described the theme as timely, noting that students face stress from academic, financial, and environmental pressures.
She introduced the “META” framework Medical, Environmental, Timely action, and Actionable tools as a guide to understanding mental health, highlighting the biological basis of conditions like depression.
Dr Ameen explained that prolonged stress affects brain chemistry and increases cortisol levels, which may result in symptoms such as insomnia, mood changes, and withdrawal. She advised students to seek medical attention if such symptoms persist for two weeks or more.
Dr Ameen urged students to seek professional help when necessary, stressing that mental health conditions require proper medical care.
