Professor Joel Adeleke Afolayan, a Professor of Nursing Science, has recognized the damaging influence of negligence towards psychological well being as a crucial impairment to the restoration and well-being of sufferers.
The primary Professor of Nursing Science in all Northern States, Afolayan delivered the 267th inaugural lecture of the College of Ilorin on the weekend and urged the domestication of the Nationwide Psychological Well being Act 2023 in states to advertise psychological well being service supply throughout the nation.
The Dean of the College of Medical Sciences, whose lecture was titled “Thoughts Over Matter within the Elimination of Thick Veil of Negligence,” additionally advocated the formulation of insurance policies and laws that will prioritise psychological well being, improve funding for psychological well being providers, and enhance entry to look after all people, no matter their background or socio-economic standing.
“Addressing negligence in the direction of psychological well being requires concerted efforts from people, communities, policymakers, and stakeholders in any respect ranges. By working collectively to lift consciousness, problem stigma, promote entry to care, and help people of their psychological well being journey, we will construct a extra compassionate, resilient, and inclusive society the place psychological well being is valued, supported, and prioritised,” he suggested.
Consequently, he really helpful six actionable steps to foster supportive environments and communities for selling psychological well being and well-being.
The actionable steps embrace fostering inclusivity and acceptance, strengthening social connections, offering peer help and mentorship, and advocating for coverage change.
He additionally highlighted the significance of domesticating and implementing the Nationwide Psychological Well being Act 2023, which he mentioned can be a breakthrough for psychological well being service supply within the nation because it promotes entry to psychological well being providers.
Afolayan urged policymakers to lift consciousness by natural psychological well being campaigns, occasions, and initiatives to coach the general public on psychological well being and its influence.
He expressed delight that the college, by its nursing science packages, has considerably contributed to the standard manpower wanted within the nation to advertise psychological well being and well-being in addition to entry to service supply.
He mentioned: “The Nursing Science programme at this college has held six induction and commencement ceremonies, resulting in 242 graduates, some with distinctions/firstclass. Among the many postgraduates, 88 have been admitted to this system, with some already graduated.
“All three units offered for his or her RN skilled examinations handed with flying colors, and from the inception of the division to this point (2024), none of our college students has failed the skilled examinations for RN, RM, or PHN. Not solely are they passing, however with distinctions and credit, to the glory of God.”
