University of Ibadan Hosts Stakeholders Forum on Adolescents and Youths' Health

The University of Ibadan recently hosted a stakeholders forum focused on strengthening resilience in adolescents and youths' development in Africa.

The event, themed "Strengthening Resilience in Adolescents and Youths' Development in Africa: Co-Creating Strategies and Policy Options on Mental Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Nutrition," brought together experts, policymakers, and young people to discuss critical issues affecting the well-being of young individuals in Nigeria and across the continent.

Delivering a keynote address, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the pivotal role of research institutions like the University of Ibadan in building a resilient framework for youth well-being. He highlighted the need for a paradigm shift from disease prevention to fostering resilience, enabling young people to thrive despite adversity. The minister also stressed the importance of youth engagement in policy-making, advocating for a transition from designing policies "for" young people to designing "with" them.

The forum featured discussions on mental health, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, and physical activity, with international experts sharing insights from Ghana, Uganda, and South Africa. Participants, including school children, out-of-school children, and university students, engaged in roundtable discussions and presented their perspectives on addressing the unique challenges faced by young people in Nigeria and Africa.

The University of Ibadan reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging research and partnerships to bolster adolescent and youth health policies, with plans to establish a National Adolescent Health Research Centre and invest in human capacity development programs. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in nurturing the resilience of adolescents and youths, empowering them to reach their full potential and contribute to sustainable growth and transformation in Africa.