LASU-UHS Trains Staff on Mental Health Intervention Under WHO mhGAP-IG

The Lagos State University University Health Services (LASU-UHS) organised a one-day capacity-building programme on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, focused on the World Health Organization Mental Health Gap Action Programme – Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) for its staff.

Held at the Conference Room of the Directorate of Health Services on LASU’s Main Campus, Ojo, the training was conducted under the PRUMES Project – Pragmatic University Mental Health Services in South-West Nigeria. Its primary aim was to strengthen the ability of health personnel in non-specialised settings to identify, manage and integrate mental health care into routine healthcare delivery within the university system.

The mhGAP-IG is a WHO intervention tool designed to equip non-mental health professionals with practical skills for early detection, proper management and timely referral of mental, neurological and substance use disorders, especially in environments with limited access to specialists.

The programme recorded strong participation from staff across LASU-UHS, reflecting growing awareness of mental health issues and a shared commitment to improving service delivery for the university community.

Facilitating the training, Dr Gbonjubola Abiri, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Focal Lead of the PRUMES Project at LASU, was assisted by Dr Tolu Orotoye, a member of the project’s working group. In her presentation, Dr Abiri highlighted common stressors affecting individuals and practical strategies to maintain good mental health, stressing the importance of empowering non-specialist staff to provide basic mental health care and integrate it into existing programmes.

The Director of Health Services, Dr Nasir O. Ariyibi, in his opening remarks, commended the PRUMES Project team for the initiative, noting that it would significantly enhance the capacity of LASU health personnel. He added that the PRUMES Project is currently implemented across three universities: Lagos State University, University of Ibadan and Fountain University.

Participants received detailed guidance on the mhGAP-IG manual, including the assessment and management of depression, psychoses and epilepsy, with practical instructions on symptom recognition, patient engagement, initial intervention and referral pathways in resource-limited settings.

The programme concluded with participants expressing appreciation for the timely and impactful initiative, pledging to apply the knowledge gained to enhance mental health interventions and overall healthcare delivery within LASU.