The need for improved mental health awareness and effective stress management among men in demanding work environments took centre stage at a workshop held on Thursday, May 15, 2026, at the J. F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium Foyer, University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Organized by HearMan Initiative, a non-governmental organization founded by Elder Oluropo Adedini of the University’s Bursary Department, the workshop had the theme: Mental Health and Stress Management for Men in an Academic Environment . It featured experts from the medical and counselling professions.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, Director of Quality Assurance and Servicom, Professor Olufemi Shuaib, commended the organisers for initiating conversations around mental health, particularly for men working within highly demanding academic environments.
According to him, the pressures associated with societal expectations, professional responsibilities and the pursuit of success often push many men beyond healthy limits, sometimes at the expense of their physical and mental well-being.
Professor Shuaib noted that the University prioritizes the physical and mental wellness of its workforce in line with global best practices. He encouraged members of staff to embrace regular medical check-ups and adhere to prescribed medical advice, stressing that preventive healthcare remains essential for productivity and longevity.
Delivering a lecture at the event, the guest Lecturer, Dr. Ismail Adesina (a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba) pointed out that cultural expectations placed on men, especially as providers and protectors, exposes them to emotional and psychological burdens that are rarely discussed openly.
He added that financial pressures, substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption and unhealthy lifestyles have contributed significantly to rising cases of depression and emotional distress among men.
Dr. Adesina encouraged men to adopt healthy coping mechanisms such as music, regular exercise, medical consultation and routine health checks, as well as seek help when necessary rather than suffer in silence.
Also speaking at the workshop, a Professor of Neuropsychoterapy, Mental Health Physiotherapy, Clinical Ethics and Forensic Health, Professor Caleb Ademola warned against unhealthy competition and lifestyles that exceed personal financial capacity. According to him, attempting to maintain unrealistic standard of living has contributed to emotional instability and suicidal tendencies among many men.
Professor Ademola emphasised the importance of psychological fitness, noting that adequate sleep is crucial to maintaining mental and physical health. “One-third of our lives should be devoted to sleep,” he stated. “Once sleep is consistently disrupted, the body system becomes vulnerable to breakdown.”
He further advised participants against measuring their success by the standard of others, stressing that contentment and moderation remain critical to healthy living and longevity.
In his presentation, Dr. Olusegun Odufuwa attributed many mental health challenges among men to the fear of missing out and unhealthy comparisons with peers. He encouraged participants to understand and appreciate their individual strengths and limitations, rather than placing themselves under unnecessary pressure.
Similarly, Mr. Olayinka Omotola of the Counselling Unit, Student Affairs Division, UNILAG, highlighted the growing importance of counselling in addressing stress-related psychological challenges.
He identified family responsibilities, financial difficulties, interpersonal conflicts and anxiety about the future as some of the major causes of emotional stress. He urged participants to reduce excessive attachment to material expectations and societal pressures in order to maintain emotional balance.
The workshop concluded with an interactive session which gave participants the opportunity to ask questions and received further guidance from the facilitators on practical strategies for achieving a healthier and stress-free lifestyle.
