The American University of Nigeria (AUN) has formally inducted a new set of mental health ambassador trainees under its Mental Health First Responder Program, aimed at strengthening peer-to-peer psychological support on campus. The induction ceremony was held on September 22, 2025, at the AUN Administration Block I, where the Dean of Students, Mr. Sesugh Annger, presented training certificates and recognition tags to the student ambassadors.
Launched last semester to ease the heavy counseling caseload of about 230 sessions per semester, the program was designed by the Head of the Counseling and Psychology Unit, Mr. Babalola Olajabu, and his assistant, Ms. Sendi Danjuma. Over three weeks in August, 12 intensive sessions were conducted to equip student ambassadors with practical skills in identifying mental health challenges, offering peer support, maintaining confidentiality, and referring severe cases to professionals.
“The program’s primary goal is to enable students to offer peer-to-peer support, creating a comfortable environment for students to open up about their struggles,” said Mr. Babalola. He added that 11 out of 12 participants successfully passed the licensing examination, empowering them to provide basic psychotherapy within defined limits and to facilitate timely referrals to professional services.
The initiative is expected to lighten the workload of the Counseling Unit while fostering a stronger culture of support and openness among students. Mr. Babalola commended the ambassadors’ dedication and encouraged them to always wear their identification tags on campus for easy recognition.
The Mental Health First Responder Program reflects AUN’s broader commitment to student well-being, positioning trained peers as the first point of contact in addressing mental health concerns and promoting a more supportive campus environment.
Reported by Martha Vincent, Jubilee Fellow