The Oyo State House of Assembly has taken a bold step towards safeguarding the mental wellbeing of schoolchildren by passing a motion advocating the integration of mental health education, counselling services, and structured support systems across primary and secondary schools in the state.
Citing alarming statistics and emotional struggles faced by students including depression, anxiety, bullying, and substance use, the motion, co-sponsored by four lawmakers, calls for a sweeping reform of the school system’s approach to mental health.
The motion, titled “Need to Integrate Mental Health Education, Counseling Services, and Structured Support Systems in Primary and Secondary Schools in Oyo State,” was co-sponsored by Hon Comfort Olajide (Ibadan North I), Hon Rilwan Gbadamoai Saminu (Atisbo/Saki East), Hon. Johnson Ogundele (Oriire), and Hon. Sanjo Adedoui Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), the Leader of the House.
Speaking during the presentation of the motion, Hon. Olufunke Comforter Olajide emphasized the urgency of the proposal, citing recent findings that one in six Nigerian youths between ages 15–24 experience depression and anxiety.
The motion highlighted critical factors influencing student mental wellbeing, including academic pressure, peer bullying, socio-economic hardship, and family instability.
The motion also raised concerns about undiagnosed mental illnesses in students due to inadequate awareness and lack of trained personnel in school.
The lawmakers unanimously acknowledged the risks of leaving the issue unaddressed
including increased substance abuse, school violence, and youth unprepared for adult responsibilities.
In its resolution, the House commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his ongoing efforts in health sector reforms, especially the recent partnership with UNICEF to enroll 10,000 pupils in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme.
Furthermore, the Motion urged the Executive Arm of Government to integrate mental health education into school curricula, deploy professional counselors across public schools and establish mental health awareness clubs and campaigns.
It called for training of teachers on early signs of emotional and behavioral distress, and also appealed to the State Government to ensure students identified as at-risk are covered under the State Health Insurance Scheme.
The Motion suggested the formulation of inclusive education policies to support students with learning and behavioral challenges.
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