A Consultant Psychiatrist and Professor at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adesanmi Akinsulore, has revealed that Nigeria ranks sixth globally for the highest suicide rates. He disclosed that men account for 79% of suicides, while women experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the need for urgent, collective efforts to tackle the crisis, particularly among students.

Prof. Akinsulore made these remarks during a lecture at an event themed “Navigating the Storm: Unraveling the Intricacies of Suicides Amongst Students,” organized by The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. He described suicide as a major global public health concern and cited its position as the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15–29 in 2021.

Highlighting risk factors such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stigma, academic failure, and lack of supportive school environments, he called for prioritizing mental health services and fostering inclusive, supportive communities. Prof. Akinsulore also identified protective measures like strong parental support, mentorship, and accessible psychological care as key to reducing suicide rates.

Dr. Oyewole Olutunmise, Founder of The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation, underscored the importance of unity in addressing mental health challenges, calling for open conversations and collective action.

The event reinforced the urgency of creating resilient environments to support student well-being and tackle rising suicide rates in Nigeria.