Bad economy, governance, major causes of depression among Nigerians-Unilorin VC
By Damilola Alamu
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, has expressed concern over the increasing occurence of depression among Nigerians just as he identified its major causes.
Prof. Abdulkareem stated that the problem seems to be more prevalent in the country in recent time, as a result of the dwindlingly economic situation and instability in governance.
He added that depression sets in as a result of inability of someone to attain certain goals after enabling actions had been taken.
The VC stated this at a conference organised by the IBRO-ARC Advanced School on Depression and Mood disorders, University of Ilorin chapter, held at the Post Graduate Conference Room, penultimate Thursday.
The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Afolayan, assured participants of maximum support from management of the University.
He also thanked both national and international resource persons for their relentless efforts at impacting knowledge on an issue which seems to be growing increasingly over the years in the society.
Also speaking, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Dr. Peter Ajiboye, intimated listeners about epidemiology of mood disorders in Africa.
The don disclosed that the prevalence of disorder is increasing by the year particularly with respect to depression, which affects both the young and elderly ones.
He advised that efforts should be put in place to diagnose patients properly so as to ensure detailed and verifiable statistical analysis and consequent proper treatment.
The resource person also told the audience that mood disorder is a major public disturbance in the society which is a common cause of disabilities in Africa, unlike other parts of the world.
The quality of periodical survey, according to Ajiboye, is needed to be pursued into mood disorder in Africa.
Others who presented papers on various topics at the well-attended conference include Prof. A.L. Oaklander, Prof. M.T. Yakubu, Prof. B.V. Owoyale, Prof. O.B. Akinola and Dr. G.O. Omotosho.
