SEF Sounds The Alarm On Teen Mental Health In Schools
By Prosper Okoye
Sam Empowerment Foundation (SEF) has raised the alarm over rising mental health issues among secondary school students in Abuja, urging urgent action to support young people battling emotional challenges.
Speaking during a Children’s Day and Menstrual Hygiene Day event at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, SEF’s Programme Director, Kiema Ogunlana, warned that many teens are silently suffering.
“Mental health is a growing crisis—even among children,” she said. “Without emotional stability, young people can’t thrive, and that affects the nation.”
Her warning follows recent tragic cases, including an 18-year-old girl in Kubwa who attempted suicide after failing her JAMB exam for the second time.
To help, SEF launched a toll-free helpline for students in distress and is considering setting up a mental health club in the school.
“Behind the smiles, many of these students are in deep pain,” Ogunlana said. “We want to create a safe space where they can speak freely and get the support they need.”
She noted that despite the school’s urban setting, many students live in tough conditions, often with elderly guardians who struggle to meet their needs.
Themed “Stand Tall, Speak Up: Building a Bully-Free and Period-Positive Generation,” the event also included menstrual hygiene education for both girls and boys to promote empathy and end stigma.
“Periods are natural. Boys need to understand and support, not mock,” Ogunlana added, thanking the school and SEF Founder, Dr Aisha Achimugu, for their support.
SEF mental health expert Chiamaka Nwankwo encouraged students to open up about their fears and emotions, while the school’s Senior Mistress, Mrs Mudashiru Fatima, confirmed that many students quietly face trauma, neglect, and financial hardship.
“Some even pay their fees themselves. We teachers help where we can—not because we’re rich, but because these children deserve a chance,” she said.
Students shared their gratitude. Assistant Head Boy Olaniyi Okikiola admitted he now sees girls’ needs differently: “I used to laugh at mood swings. Now I understand better.”
Gift Tanko, a JSS 3 student, added, “They taught us how to care for ourselves during our periods and how to talk about our feelings. I feel stronger already.”
SEF wrapped up the event with free Dignity Kits such as sanitary pads, toiletries, and food items giving students not just tools, but a sense of hope.
