Oyo Lawmaker, Olufunke Comforter Olajide, Leads Motion for Mental Health Education in Schools

The Oyo State House of Assembly has adopted a motion championed by Hon. Olufunke Comforter Olajide (Ibadan North I) calling for the integration of mental health education, counseling services, and structured support systems in all primary and secondary schools across the state.

The motion, co-sponsored by Hon. Rilwan Saminu (Atisbo/Saki East), Hon. Johnson Ogundele (Oriire), and Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), acknowledged the deepening mental health concerns among school-aged children and the dangers of systemic neglect.

Drawing attention to a UNICEF report highlighting that 1 in 6 Nigerian youths between ages 15 to 24 frequently experience depression and anxiety, Hon. Olufunke Comforter warned of the long-term risks posed by the absence of psychological support in the school system.

“Notes that mental health is a vital aspect of students’ well-being and academic performance, yet it remained largely neglected. Many children in primary and secondary schools face psychological struggles, including anxiety, depression, stress, substance use, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and emotional trauma, often worsened by academic pressure, peer bullying, family instability, and socio-economic difficulties.

Further notes the recent UNICEF report that’l in 6 Nigerian youths aged 15-24 often feel depressed, unmotivated, and anxious. Many of these students’ mental and emotional struggles remain undiagnosed due to lack of awareness, support systems, or trained personnel.

“Aware that students affected by domestic issues such as abuse, neglect, separation, or trauma, leaving them unresponsive or dull in class. These students and are often misjudged or isolated without support or counseling intervention.

Further aware that current school curricuia lack robust mental health education, leaving students and teachers ill-equipped to understand or manage emotional distress, or to identify early warning signs that could prevent worsening mental health outcomes.”

According to Hon. Olufunke Comforter, some schools in the State place students with learning difficulties alongside those without support systems.

She said such placement often lead to disparities in performance, stigmatization, bullying, and in severe cases, school dropouts and in turn leads to mental health issues.

“Further observes that the absence of a robust mental health education and counseling services in schools may lead to increased substance use, emotional instability, school violence, and a generation of young people ill-equipped to manage their emotions, relationships, or responsibilities.

“Concerned that the lack of structured intervention puts our society at long-term risk of higher youth mental illness rates, poor academic outcomes, and reduced national productivity, if urgent steps are not taken.”

The motion outlined a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenge, urging the state’s Executive Arm to integrate mental health topics into core subjects like Civic and Health Education.

The Motion resolved to :

1. Commend His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of the people of Oyo State, particularly the recent flag-off of the enrollment of 10,000 basic school pupils into the State’s Health Insurance Scheme through partnership with UNICEF an exemplary initiative that strengthens the foundation for a healthier future generation.

2. urge the Executive Arm of Government, through the Ministries of Education, Science and Technology, State Universal Education Board (SUBEB) and Oyo State Health Insurance Agency to:

3. direct Committees on Education (Basic and Secondary) to interface with relevant stakeholders including Parents Teachers Associations, NGOs, mental health experts, school management, and international bodies such as UNICEF and UNESCO to develop an implementable framework for sustainable delivery.