By Damiete Braide
In furtherance of the follow-up programmes of the British Council-funded research project at Olumawu School 鈥斺淯sing Mindfulness-Based Interventions to Reduce Stress and Anxiety Among Students鈥, led by Chinedu Vincent Okoro 鈥攖he research team successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Abuja Inter-School Time Management and Stress Reduction Workshop on Monday, June 16, 2025.
This historic event 鈥攖he first in the Federal Capital Territory, perhaps even Nigeria 鈥攂rought together students, educators, and mental health specialists to learn about new and innovative methods of time management and stress reduction in today鈥檚 high-stakes learning environment.
The workshop marked a significant step towards extending the impact of the research beyond the classroom, demonstrating the team鈥檚 commitment to improving student mental health while making substantial contributions to the broader teaching community.
The workshop event featured practical sessions on mindfulness-based interventions, time management, and stress reduction strategies; the public presentation and free distribution of the book 鈥楾ime Management and Stress Reduction: A Mindfulness-Based Practical Guide for Students鈥; the unveiling of mindfulness information boards across the school premises to reinforce daily mindful habits; and on-the-spot counselling sessions facilitated by trained mental health professionals.
Presenting her keynote speech on the importance of youth mental health advocacy as the Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Prada Uzodimma, Esq., co-founder of The Ability Life Initiative (TALI), distinguished legal practitioner, humanitarian, and education/disability rights advocate, 鈥攕aid: 鈥淥ftentimes, we find students who are academically trained and launched into the world without the mental health support systems they need to thrive. I am glad to lend my voice to this cause and help students become aware of and address these issues early.鈥
The lead facilitator of the workshop, Dr. Sa鈥檃datu Adamu, a mental health professional, rehabilitation counsellor, founder of Secure The Future International Initiative, and President of the Psychotherapeutic and Counselling Research Institute, said: 鈥淲orking with students gives me the leverage to be in various schools. I actually started the first mental health school club in Abuja, in collaboration with the Secondary Education Board.
鈥淚 believe that integrating mental health into school systems allows students to engage in conversations that are often stigmatised or avoided. It gives them a safe space to express themselves and find community around mental well-being.鈥
Other facilitators, such as Dr. James Udele, Ms. Chidi Udeaja, Pharm. Ijeoma Egbo, and Udemeobong Akpan, alongside an AfroDervish performance by Husayn Zaguru, added colour and depth to the event, making it both engaging and inspiring.
Students and teacher delegates from notable mental health-conscious schools across Abuja, including Start-Rite International School, Lead British International School, African Community School, Raberto School, Aduvie International School, Government Day Secondary School Wuse II, Divine Mercy School, Faith Kiddies School, and Olumawu School (the host), among others, actively participated in the workshop.
Reacting to the workshop, Daniel Onyema, a Year 11 student of Start-Rite International School, said:
鈥淧ersonally, I struggle more with time management. As a senior student, my responsibilities have increased, and it鈥檚 sometimes hard to juggle everything. But I鈥檝e learnt some strategies today that will help me manage my time better. It definitely makes things easier as a young person trying to balance it all.鈥
Similarly, Suleiman Aisha Barakallah, a student of Government Day Secondary School Wuse II, said: 鈥淔irst, it was very helpful, because I felt like there were so many things they said here today that 鈥攊f I had known them earlier, like from SS1 or even before that 鈥攖hey would have helped me a lot. These are things that can really make a difference if you鈥檙e aware of them from the beginning.鈥
Ariel-Marie Ogbureke, a Year 8 student of Olumawu School, added: 鈥淚 am grateful for this life-changing opportunity, which started in our school. This is my second time participating in this workshop, the first being the week-long edition held in January. I have really learnt how to manage my time and stress. I鈥檓 leaving this workshop feeling more fulfilled.鈥
In his remarks, Mr. Rotimi Jiboku, Principal of Olumawu School, reaffirmed the school鈥檚 unwavering commitment to fostering a learning environment that supports academic excellence and emotional well-being. Speaking on the school鈥檚 role in supporting the workshop convener, he stated: 鈥淪o when this particular offer came from the British Council, we encouraged interested staff members to apply.
鈥淢r. Chinedu was one of those who expressed interest. When the approval process began, as a school, we fully endorsed his candidature and submitted the necessary documents. The British Council then conducted a global selection process, and fortunately, he was one of the recipients.鈥
The convener of the workshop, Chinedu Vincent Okoro, expressed gratitude to the British Council, participating schools, facilitators, and volunteers. He noted that the workshop is only the beginning of a series of inter-school engagements designed to empower students with tools for lifelong self-awareness, discipline, and emotional balance.