As Nigerian students prepare to return to classrooms this September, the usual back-to-school jitters are being eclipsed by something more alarming — a surge in anxiety, depression, and academic burnout among teenagers.

What used to be a season of excitement is now, for many, a period of dread.

“I cry every Sunday night,” says 15-year-old Blessing, a senior secondary school student in Lagos. “I feel like I can’t breathe when I think about school — the workload, the pressure, the expectations. It’s too much.”

School Stress Is More Than Just Books
From overly packed curriculums and marathon lesson schedules to constant examinations and high parental expectations, Nigerian students are reporting record levels of emotional distress.

Dr. Tosin Ajayi, a child and adolescent psychologist based in Abuja, says she’s seeing a sharp increase in teenage patients — especially around school resumption.

“Many parents think their children are lazy or unserious,” she explains. “But what we’re seeing is academic-induced trauma. These kids are cracking under pressure, and instead of support, they’re often met with punishment or silence.”

The Hidden Epidemic: Teenage Mental Health
According to a 2024 study by the Nigerian Society of Psychologists, 1 in 4 Nigerian teenagers shows symptoms of anxiety or depression. But the numbers are likely higher, as stigma and lack of awareness keep many cases hidden.

A guidance counselor at a federal government college in Ogun State, who asked not to be named, confirmed a troubling trend: “We’ve had cases of students collapsing, refusing to speak, or suddenly acting out. When we dig deeper, it’s not stubbornness — it’s stress, trauma, or untreated depression.”

When Pressure Comes From Home
While teachers and school systems contribute to academic stress, many students point fingers at home.

“My parents keep saying, ‘We didn’t send you to school to fail,’” says Samuel, a 16-year-old in Enugu. “But I’m tired. I read till midnight, attend extra lessons, and still feel like a disappointment.”

Experts argue that well-meaning but misinformed parenting is part of the problem. “Some parents see grades as the only sign of success,” says Dr. Ajayi. “They don’t realise that emotional resilience, self-worth, and mental wellness are just as critical.”

Girls at Greater Risk
While all teens face academic pressure, girls may bear an extra load — including house chores, care responsibilities, and cultural restrictions.

“I get home from school by 4pm, then cook, clean, and still prepare for the next day’s exams,” says Maryam, a 14-year-old JSS3 student in Kaduna. “Nobody cares if I’m tired — I just have to manage.”

The Systemic Gaps
Nigeria’s public education system is severely understaffed when it comes to mental health. Most schools don’t have trained psychologists. Some lack even basic guidance counselors.

Without structured support, students struggling with mental illness fall through the cracks — some drop out, others turn to substance abuse, and in tragic cases, suicide.

Signs of Hope: What Can Be Done
While the crisis is real, solutions are within reach. A few schools in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt have begun hosting “mental health days,” peer counseling groups, and even on-site therapy sessions.

NGOs like Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) and She Writes Woman are also stepping into schools to offer education, workshops, and mental health first aid training.

How Parents and Schools Can Help
Listen more, judge less – Create safe spaces for teens to express fear and frustration.

Normalize rest and self-care – Academic excellence shouldn’t come at the cost of well-being.

Train teachers in emotional intelligence – Discipline must evolve to support, not suppress.

Fund school-based counseling – Every school should have at least one trained mental health professional.

Talk about it – Breaking the silence breaks the stigma.

As school gates swing open this September, Nigeria must face a hard truth: we cannot keep raising broken children in the name of education.

Teenagers are asking for help — not homework. Support, not shame.

If we’re serious about the future, then their minds must matter too.