Baze University Marks 8TH Career Week with Focus on Mental Health
Baze University, Abuja, has concluded its 8th Career Week Programme (BaCWeP) with a call for greater action on mental health, urging students and staff to take practical steps to promote wellbeing and lead productive lives.
The two-day programme, held from October 6 to 7, 2026, was organised by the University’s Student Support Unit (Counselling and Human Development Centre), in collaboration with the Faculties, under the theme, “Prioritisation of Mental Health: Beyond Lip Service.”
The programme commenced with a Mental Health Awareness Walk to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), where the Baze University delegation was received by Dr Godwin Orukpe, who represented the Medical Director. The delegation also toured the hospital’s facilities under the guidance of Dr Abdullahi Mustapha Hassan, Head of the Department of Mental Health.
A free medical check-up was subsequently conducted at Baze University, providing members of the university community with an opportunity to assess their health and reinforcing the importance of prioritising both physical and mental wellbeing.
The second day featured a symposium comprising lectures, interactive sessions and discussions with professionals and mental health advocates on issues including stress, anxiety, depression, coping mechanisms, early help-seeking and peer support.
Speaking at the symposium, the Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, commended the programme’s focus on mental health awareness and emphasised the need to move beyond conversations to practical action.
He said the theme aligned with global efforts by the medical community to promote greater awareness and understanding of mental health, stressing that mental health conditions should be treated with the same seriousness and care as other illnesses.
His remarks underscored the need to challenge stigma, encourage early intervention and ensure that mental wellbeing receives adequate attention within educational institutions and society at large.
Discussions at the symposium also examined the relationship between mental health, academic performance and career development, highlighting the importance of emotional and psychological wellbeing in making sound career decisions and sustaining professional growth.
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Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Muhammad Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth development and mental wellbeing.
He encouraged students to prioritise their mental health and called for more accessible, stigma-free support systems for young people.
Other speakers included Hajia Hauwa Liman, author of the My Mind Book Project, and Halima Nuradeen, a Volunteer for Mental Health (VMH). They shared practical insights on coping with mental health challenges, seeking help early and building supportive peer networks.
The programme also highlighted the role of the Baze University Counselling and Human Development Centre in providing a safe and supportive environment where students can access guidance, counselling and professional assistance without fear of stigma.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the Head of the Student Support Unit, Mrs VS Tarka, said Baze University was committed to amplifying conversations around mental health and ensuring that students and staff understood the importance of mental wellbeing to their personal and professional development.
She said the University had a responsibility to give greater visibility to the experiences and voices of people living with mental health challenges while equipping members of its community with the knowledge and support needed to protect their wellbeing.
According to her, the focus on mental health was also intended to help students make informed career decisions, achieve healthy career progression and maintain career stability.
She explained that the choice of the theme, “Prioritisation of Mental Health: Beyond Lip Service,” was deliberate, given the often-overlooked mental health challenges confronting young people.
She added that the programme was designed to move the conversation from awareness to practical action by encouraging early intervention, help-seeking and stronger support networks within the university community.
The 8th Career Week concluded with students describing the programme as insightful, timely and impactful.
The initiative further reinforced Baze University’s commitment to the holistic development of its students and staff by recognising mental wellbeing as an essential component of academic success, career development and overall quality of life.
