Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Suicide is a growing public health concern globally, and Nigeria is not exempt from this alarming trend. Among the various population groups affected by suicide, tertiary institution students are particularly vulnerable due to the unique stressors they face. This research project aims to investigate the role of guidance and counseling services in mitigating the risk of suicide among students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from students, counselors, and other relevant stakeholders. The quantitative surveys will assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behaviors among students, as well as their utilization and perceptions of counseling services. The qualitative interviews will provide in-depth insights into the experiences of students who have sought help for suicidal thoughts, as well as the perspectives of counselors on the challenges and opportunities in addressing suicide in tertiary institutions. The findings of this research are expected to shed light on the current state of suicide prevention efforts in Nigerian tertiary institutions and provide recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of guidance and counseling services. By understanding the barriers that students face in accessing mental health support, as well as the factors that contribute to suicidal behaviors, institutions can develop targeted interventions to support student well-being and prevent tragedies. Ultimately, this project seeks to contribute to the growing body of research on suicide prevention in Nigeria and advocate for the prioritization of mental health services in tertiary institutions. By promoting a culture of openness, destigmatizing help-seeking behaviors, and providing adequate resources for counseling and support, institutions can create a safer and more supportive environment for students facing mental health challenges. Through collaborative efforts between students, faculty, administrators, and mental health professionals, Nigerian tertiary institutions can work towards preventing suicide and promoting the holistic well-being of their students.

Thesis Overview

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Mental disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse—including alcoholism and the use of benzodiazepines—are risk factors. Some suicides are impulsive acts due to stress, such as from financial difficulties, troubles with relationships, or bullying. Those who have previously attempted suicide are at a higher risk for future attempts. Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. Suicide is a global phenomenon and occurs throughout the lifespan. Effective and evidence-based interventions can be implemented at population, sub-population and individual levels to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. There are indications that for each adult who died by suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year old globally.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), while the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness. In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners. By far the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt. It is estimated that around 20 per cent of global suicides are due to pesticide self-poisoning, most of which occur in rural agricultural areas in low- and middle-income countries. Other common methods of suicide are hanging and firearms. However, In any learning institution, counselors form an essential part of the organization since they serve as key persons to whom students can turn to for help on matters related to general challenges facing a teenager both in school and out of school. With the too academic oriented education system characterized with exam cheating and results irregularities, students are likely to find themselves faced with difficult decisions to make concerning career choices. Pressure from parents, lack of proper guidance and scarcity of jobs in preferred sectors can be quite overwhelming for a child unless guided appropriately. Apart from career choice, the students are also faced with other adolescent challenges such as relationships, rapid growth and physical changes, peer pressure, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and the need for identity or to “belong”. therefore, the guidance and counselling role can be useful in ameliorating the increase of suicide in our tertiary institutions.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The year 2019 has recorded a significant number of death through suicidal actions. The trend is one that cannot be quickly disputed as it is ongoing. The demeaning aspect of suicide attempt in the contemporary Nigeria is that it is carried out by youths. The youths are supposed to be the least affected by suicide but reverse is the case. In the tertiary institutions, the rate of suicide actions is on the increase as records show that nothing has been done to curb this action. Suicide is associated with a lot of negativity as it traditionally depicts a bad omen and signifies weakness on the part of the victim. The continuous increase of suicide by young people has propelled this study to be considered as it examines the role of guidance and counseling in curbing suicide.

1. 3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary aim of this study is to examine the role of guidance and counseling in obviating suicide in the Nigeria Tertiary institutions. Specifically the study will focus on:

1. To determine the cause of suicide in Tertiary institutions.

2. To determine the role of guidance and counseling in obviating suicide in the Nigeria Tertiary institutions.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The study seeks to provide answers to the following research questions:

1. What are the causes of suicide in Nigeria Tertiary institutions?

2. What is the role of guidance and counseling in obviating suicide in Nigeria Tertiary institutions?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

The study formulated and developed for testing the following Null hypotheses:

H0: There are no identifiable causes of suicide in Nigeria Tertiary institutions.

H0²: Guidance and Counseling do not play any significant role in obviating suicide in Nigeria Tertiary institutions.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Nigeria has witnessed an unusual phenomenon among young people especially young people in the tertiary institutions. This study is quite significant as it exposes in factual terms the causes of suicide among young people. The study will also assist guidance and counseling department in understanding what needs to be tackled as it provides insight the need to obviate suicide. The reverse is that this study brings to bare the role of guidance and counseling in obviating suicide,which implies that guidance and counseling can be relied upon to provide assistance to suicidal issues.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study examines the current appalling trend of suicide in Nigeria, especially in the tertiary institutions. However the study is limited to only Nigeria institutions. The study sampled opinions from respondents across four states (Enugu, Lagos, Jos and Delta states).

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research is organized into five distinct but related chapters, the first chapter gives an overview of the study as well as highlighting the problem and clearly the objectives. In the second chapter, we reviewed related and relevant literature. In the third chapter, we describe the method adopted and employed in the study. The fourth chapter presents and analyzes the data collected from the respondents, while the fifth chapter includes, summary, conclusion and recommendations