Mental Health and Security Take Centre Stage at NSUK Awareness Programme

The Centre for Gender Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi has organized a sensitization campaign on men’s mental health and security themed “Breaking the Stigma and Taking Responsibility.”

The programme, held on 25 February 2026 at the University Assembly Hall, sought to raise awareness among young people particularly male students on the critical relationship between mental well-being and community security.

Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Halima Aliyu Doma-Kutigi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), commended the Centre for convening what she described as a timely and impactful initiative. She underscored the importance of prioritizing emotional well-being among young people and emphasized the programme’s role in fostering responsible leadership, self-control, and mutual respect within the university community.

She further encouraged participants to engage meaningfully in the deliberations and reflect on the practical lessons shared.

In her welcome address, Dr. Comfort Adokwe Obed, Acting Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, explained that the campaign was designed to confront the persistent neglect of young people’s mental health while empowering male students and staff to redefine strength and responsibility in addressing gender-based violence. She expressed appreciation to participants and stakeholders for their support.

Delivering the keynote address, Lieutenant Colonel Obed Magai Tsoken highlighted the broader social implications of men’s mental health, describing it as both a personal and public concern with direct consequences for family stability and community safety. He examined the interconnected challenges of stigma and gender-based violence, stressing the need for a redefinition of strength rooted in emotional awareness and accountability.

He outlined practical strategies for addressing stigma, including creating supportive spaces within families, institutions, and communities; normalizing discussions around therapy; mentoring young men; reducing social isolation; and challenging rigid perceptions of masculinity.

Speaking on men’s health, Dr. Chidi Nwagu defined mental health as a state of well-being that enables individuals to realize their potential, manage life’s stresses, and contribute productively to society. He identified key risk factors for mental health challenges ranging from biological and environmental influences to social and experiential conditions and noted that these factors may contribute to disorders such as anxiety, trauma-related conditions, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.

He also highlighted the various manifestations of stigma, including public, structural, and self-stigma, while advocating for increased access to clinical therapy, sustained awareness programmes, and the rejection of harmful coping mechanisms.

In their separate goodwill messages, Dr. David Chima and Professor Becky Alegba commended the Centre for its initiative and praised Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman for her continued commitment to academic excellence and institutional development. They emphasized the significance of the theme in shaping moral values and strengthening psychological resilience among young people.

The programme featured panel discussions and an interactive question-and-answer session that addressed emotional health, accountability, responsibility, emotional intelligence, and healthy coping strategies across genders.

The event concluded with group photographs to commemorate the occasion.