A call for stronger mental health support, inclusive policies and stigma-free environments for young people took centre stage at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, as the institution hosted key activities marking the 2026 National Adolescent and Youth Mental Health Week.

The week-long national initiative, themed “Creating Hope, Building Resilience, Prioritising Adolescents and Youth Mental Health”, was organised by the Initiative for Self-Esteem Education and Advocacy (ISEEA), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, African University of Science and Technology (AUST) and other organizations to promote awareness, strengthen advocacy and expand access to mental health support for young Nigerians.

The awareness campaign commenced on Saturday, 17 October 2026, with a mental health awareness road walk at AUST.

Welcoming participants, the President of AUST, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, emphasised that mental well-being is fundamental to young people’s academic success, personal development and relationships.

He called on families, educational institutions and government agencies to create supportive, non-judgemental environments where young people can discuss their mental health concerns and seek help without fear of discrimination.

In her remarks, the Founder and Director of ISEEA, Barrister Rosemary Ochiwu, called for greater attention to prevention, early intervention and meaningful youth participation in mental health advocacy. Drawing on her personal experiences, she highlighted the importance of safe learning environments, supportive family structures and accessible mental health services in improving outcomes for adolescents and young people.

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Mr Akin Olanipekun outlined activities planned across the country, including outreach programmes by 23 civil society organisations, school engagements and media campaigns. He commended AUST for providing its facilities at no cost and disclosed the Federal Ministry’s intention to institutionalise the observance as an annual event, while advocating its adoption across all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

The activities continued on Thursday, 22 October 2026, as stakeholders, policy experts and advocates gathered at the AUST AfDB Hall for the flagship National Action Forum. Discussions focused on strengthening mental health services in schools, addressing gender-based violence and the vulnerabilities of young people affected by migration and displacement, using creative expression and the media to challenge stigma, and promoting youth well-being, civic participation and engagement in nation-building.

At the conclusion of the forum, organisers and partners called for sustained collaboration among government institutions, healthcare providers, educators, civil society organisations and the media to address mental health challenges affecting adolescents and young people. They stressed that tackling stigma and ensuring access to appropriate mental health services require a coordinated and long-term commitment across all sectors of Nigerian society.

The National Adolescent and Youth Mental Health Week 2026 came to a climax on Friday, 23 October 2026, with a gala dinner and creative awards ceremony.