Student Suicide Prevention
Nigerian Universities Urge Lecturer Training Following Student Suicides Linked to Financial Hardship
Anonymous
Key Points
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The Nigerian report said at least eight suicide cases involving university students were reported between January and June 2024, with additional reported cases continuing into 2025, including a University of Ilorin student who reportedly died amid financial difficulties and an Obafemi Awolowo University dentistry student who reportedly died after being told he would repeat an academic year.
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Los Alamos Public Schools identified additional warning signs that were not listed in the summary, including increased alcohol or substance use and giving away belongings that are important to the young person. The district also stressed that warning signs are not a diagnosis and that no single sign necessarily indicates a crisis.
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Marquette University’s Lifesavers training was scheduled for Sept. 30 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and was open to students, faculty and staff. The university clarified that the session is not counseling or treatment and does not train participants to provide therapy; instead, it aims to prepare them to respond effectively when someone is distressed or appears suicidal.
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The Avon QPR workshop was scheduled as a 90-minute session on Sept. 23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Avon Free Public Library, led by Justine Ginsberg, a registered nurse, community health coordinator and program director with the Farmington Valley Health District.
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The Los Alamos Public Schools notice directed people who are struggling or worried about someone else to call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, at any time.
Nigerian universities are being urged to train lecturers and academic staff to recognize suicide warning signs after multiple student deaths linked to financial hardship and academic pressure. Nigerian Education Report documented at least eight student suicides between January and June 2024, with cases continuing into 2025, including a University of Ilorin student facing financial difficulties and an Obafemi Awolowo University dentistry student who died after learning he would repeat a year. Mental health advocates say educators can save lives by spotting changes in behavior and connecting struggling students with help.
Warning Signs Schools Should Train Staff to Spot
Los Alamos Public Schools identified key warning signs adults should watch for: hopelessness, social withdrawal, sudden mood or sleep changes, dropping grades, and mentions of suicide. Los Alamos Public Schools also listed increased drug or alcohol use and giving away treasured possessions. School officials stressed that no single sign proves a crisis — warning signs are not diagnoses. They emphasized that asking young people directly if they're thinking about suicide does not plant the idea and often opens the door to getting help.
Universities Launch Suicide Prevention Training Programs
Marquette University offered a free Lifesavers training on September 30 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for students, faculty and staff. The program teaches people to recognize distress and respond when someone appears suicidal — but does not train participants to provide therapy or counseling. Similarly, Avon Connecticut hosted a 90-minute Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) workshop on September 23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Avon Free Public Library. Both programs focus on connecting people in crisis with professional support.
Crisis Support Resources Now Widely Promoted
Los Alamos Public Schools and other districts are directing people in distress to call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. Mental health organizations and universities nationwide are expanding prevention programs because research shows early intervention saves lives. Training adults — parents, educators, coaches, community members — to spot warning signs and act quickly is now seen as a core part of protecting young people.
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