In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a troubling rise in suicides among young individuals, particularly students preparing for or taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This trend is attributed to a confluence of factors, including academic pressure, economic hardship, mental health challenges, and societal stigma.
Prevalence and Contributing Factors
Academic Pressure and Failure
The intense competition and high expectations surrounding the UTME and university admissions exert immense pressure on students. Instances of suicide following academic setbacks have been reported. For example, a 300-level medical student at Niger Delta University took his life after failing an examination that led to his withdrawal from the program.
Economic Hardship
Nigeria’s economic challenges, characterized by high unemployment and inflation rates, exacerbate stress among youths. Financial difficulties, such as inability to pay tuition fees or support oneself during studies, have been linked to suicidal behavior. A case in point is a student who ended his life after losing his and a friend’s school fees to online gambling.
Mental Health Issues
Depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness are prevalent among Nigerian youths. A study among undergraduates in Lagos State revealed that 22.5% experienced depression, while 21.6% had suicidal ideation. Factors such as low self-esteem, substance abuse, and history of bullying were significantly associated with these mental health challenges.
Societal and Cultural Stigma
Mental health issues often carry a stigma in Nigerian society, deterring individuals from seeking help. Cultural and religious beliefs may label mental illness as a weakness or spiritual affliction, leading to underreporting and lack of support for those in need.
Demographics and Risk Factors
Age and Gender
Suicidal ideation tends to increase with age among adolescents. A study found that 8.0% of those under 15 years had suicidal thoughts, compared to 22.5% of those over 19. Additionally, females were more likely to experience suicidal ideation than males, possibly due to societal pressures and gender-based discrimination.
Urban vs. Rural Residence
Urban dwellers exhibited a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (53.3%) compared to rural residents (46.7%). This disparity may stem from the fast-paced urban lifestyle, social isolation, and increased exposure to stressors.
Notable Cases
Faith Opesusi Timileyin (2025):
A 19-year-old UTME candidate from Nigeria, Faith had aspirations to study microbiology at the university. She had previously scored 193 in the UTME but obtained a lower score of 146 in her second attempt in 2025. This result left her devastated, leading her to ingest a poisonous substance, which resulted in her untimely death. Her father, Oluwafemi Opesusi, confirmed this in interviews with multiple news outlets.
Loveth (2018): A female JAMB candidate in Delta State reportedly committed suicide after scoring 163 in the UTME, believing the score was insufficient for her desired course in Medicine.
Ugochukwu (2015): A 23-year-old man who had written the UNILAG post-UTME test committed suicide in his apartment in FESTAC Town. He had previously attempted suicide two weeks prior.
Chukwuemeka Akachi (2019): A final-year student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, took his life after battling mental illness. He left a suicide note on Facebook before ingesting a poisonous substance.
Daniel Uchenna Nwafor (2021): A first-year Chemistry student at the Federal University of Technology Owerri was found dead in his apartment in an apparent suicide.
Interventions and Recommendations
Mental Health Awareness and Support
Initiatives like the Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN) aim to provide support and raise awareness about mental health issues. However, more comprehensive programs are needed to address the root causes and provide accessible mental health services.
Educational Reforms
Educational institutions should implement counseling services and stress management programs to assist students in coping with academic pressures. Early identification of at-risk individuals and timely intervention can prevent potential tragedies.
Economic Empowerment
Providing scholarships, grants, and financial aid to students from low-income backgrounds can alleviate the economic burdens that contribute to mental health challenges.
Combating Stigma
Public education campaigns are essential to change societal perceptions of mental health. Encouraging open discussions and normalizing seeking help can reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
The rising incidence of suicide among Nigerian youths, particularly students facing academic and economic pressures, underscores the urgent need for multifaceted interventions. Addressing mental health challenges, providing economic support, and combating societal stigma are crucial steps toward safeguarding the well-being of the nation’s young population.
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