LASU Inaugurates Mental Health Advocates to Strengthen Emotional Well-Being and Holistic Development

The Lagos State University (LASU), through its Counselling and Careers Unit, on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, inaugurated and trained a team of Mental Health Advocates comprising volunteer staff and students equipped to promote mental health awareness and support across the university community.

The inauguration and training, held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, were organised in collaboration with Mental Space Foundation Africa, as part of the university’s commitment to fostering emotional wellness and combating the stigma surrounding mental health.

In her keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, represented by the Director, Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute (ODLRI), Professor Adenike Boyo, described the initiative as a crucial step in addressing the increasing mental health challenges within the university environment.

“This event marks a powerful step forward,” she said. “It represents our collective commitment to break the silence, replace stigma with support, and ensure that no member of our university community, families, or friends walks alone in times of emotional distress.”

Professor Olatunji-Bello reaffirmed that LASU remains a leader not only in academic excellence but also in compassion, empathy, and holistic development. She explained that the newly inaugurated Mental Health Advocates would serve as peer supporters and trusted listeners, helping others navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related difficulties.

Delivering the opening address, the Head, Counselling and Careers Unit, Dr Joseph Ayeni, who hosted the event, noted that the initiative was born out of the need to create a support system for students dealing with mental health struggles.

“The idea came up for students to help themselves, based on the reality that many are facing psychological challenges. We believe students can identify and support one another,” he explained.

Dr Ayeni praised the Vice-Chancellor for her welfarist approach to leadership and acknowledged her approval and encouragement as instrumental to the success of the programme. He expressed confidence that the trained advocates would make lasting contributions to the university’s culture of care and empathy.

The training featured two key sessions: Dr Olubukola Oyediji delivered a lecture on Mental Health and Its Antecedents, while Dr Ayeni presented on Psychological First Aid, both designed to equip participants with practical tools for peer support and crisis response.

A panel discussion followed, during which participants interacted with the speakers and Ms Mojisola Ajayi, Founder of Mental Space Foundation Africa and a distinguished alumna of LASU, who commended the university for prioritising mental well-being.

Dr Ayeni further disclosed that similar training and inauguration exercises would be extended to the Epe Campus for both staff and students, reinforcing the university’s holistic approach to student welfare and personal development.