Mental Health Is Foundation of Academic Excellence, Says AFUED Counsellor

A Counsellor with the Directorate of Counselling, Human Development and Career Centre (DCHDCC), Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Mrs. B. O. Nwachukwu, has described good mental health as the foundation of academic excellence.

Nwachukwu made the statement during the opening ceremony of an online seminar organised by the DCHDCC, which commenced on Wednesday, July 22, and ended on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Speaking during the seminar, Nwachukwu described mental health as a state of wellbeing in which individuals realise their potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to their communities.

She explained that mental health also influences how people think, feel, make decisions and handle challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, examination anxiety, substance abuse and social isolation.

Nwachukwu noted that university life can be exciting but also comes with several challenges, including academic pressure, financial difficulties, family problems, peer pressure, low self-esteem, social media comparison, relationship issues, loneliness and uncertainty about the future.

She warned that when these challenges are not properly managed, they can negatively affect students' mental health.

While educating students on the importance of maintaining good mental health, the Counsellor identified the common symptoms of mental health problems as:

• Persistent sadness
• Excessive fear or worry
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed

Nwachukwu also took the students through ways of addressing mental health challenges, including:

• Getting enough sleep
• Eating healthy meals
• Engaging in regular exercise
• Managing time wisely
• Building healthy friendships

She advised students to visit the Directorate of Counselling, Human Development and Career Centre regularly, where they can interact with competent and qualified professional counsellors.

According to her, the Directorate is open from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.