A former Chief Medical Officer of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, Dr Idowu Malomo, has attributed the rising suicide rate among young Nigerians to pressure from the society and their respective families.
Speaking during an event held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Centre in Oshodi, Lagos, Malomo said there was a need for parents and guardians to stop putting undue pressure on young people to achieve success by all means.
He said, “The main problem is that there is undue emphasis on scholastic attainments, whereas there are many other areas where young people can achieve success. We don’t all have to graduate from the university with a first class Bachlor degree.
“Young people should be encouraged to discover and develop their hidden talents. Everything is not about high grades. This unnecessary emphasis on high grades is causing corruption and examination malpractices. A child that doesn’t attend university can be a good entrepreneur and contribute to national development. A university degree is not the only meal ticket that Nigerians have.” Read more
