Nursing Student’s Tragic Suicide: A Wake-Up Call for Educational Institutions

A300-level student of Basic Medical Science at Havarde College of Science and Management Studies in Ogun State, Nigeria, took her own life on February 21, 2024.

The young student, whose name has been withheld, was reportedly driven to this tragic act due to the school’s failure to secure accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) for its nursing courses.

This devastating event highlights the immense pressure and stress that students face when their educational institutions fail to meet the necessary standards for accreditation.

The lack of accreditation not only jeopardizes students’ future prospects but also undermines their confidence in the quality of education they are receiving.

The mental health of students is a crucial aspect that must be addressed by educational institutions.

The incident in Ogun State underscores the need for schools to prioritize mental health support and resources for their students.

It is vital for educational institutions to foster an environment where students feel supported, heard, and valued.

As a society, we must learn from this tragedy and work towards creating a more compassionate and understanding educational system.

This includes holding institutions accountable for their actions and ensuring that they meet the necessary standards for accreditation.

By doing so, we can prevent future incidents of this nature and provide students with the support and resources they need to thrive.

The loss of a young life due to the failure of an educational institution to secure accreditation is a stark reminder of the importance of mental health and the responsibility of schools to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their students.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no student feels so overwhelmed and hopeless that they see no other option but to take their own life.