Mental Health Education in Human-Centered Technological Innovation in Higher Education in Nigeria
*1&3Chilee C. Onwukwe Onyimonyi, 2Agi Kabiru Musa & 2Danjuma Namo
*1&2Psychology Unit, Faculty of Education. Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria. Email: chilecarson@gmail.com*1 and namodanjuma812@gmail.com3
2Department of Educational Foundation, Faculty of Education, Federal University Lafia, Nigeria. Email: agikabirumusa@gmail.com2
Abstract
Mental health education in higher education institutions is crucial for fostering awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting well-being among students. In Nigeria, where mental health issues often remain under-discussed due to cultural stigma, human-centered technological innovations offer a transformative approach to mental health education. This study explores the effectiveness of digital tools designed to enhance mental health literacy, attitudes, and engagement among university students in Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research assesses the impact of technology-driven mental health education on students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral changes. The findings suggest that gender, age, and academic discipline significantly influence the effectiveness of mental health interventions. Female students and younger age groups (18-25 years) exhibited more significant improvements in mental health literacy and positive shifts in attitudes toward mental health. Despite these differences, all students, regardless of discipline, demonstrated enhanced understanding and engagement with mental health content. The study underscores the importance of tailoring interventions to address gender and age disparities and highlights the need for accessible, inclusive digital platforms. It also calls for a broader integration of mental health education into university curricula, with policy support to foster a more supportive environment for student well-being. Ultimately, human-centered technological innovations hold substantial promise for advancing mental health education in Nigeria’s higher education system, but further efforts are needed to ensure equitable access and long-term impact.
Keywords
Mental Health Education, Human-Centered Technological Innovation, Higher Education, Nigeria, Mental Health Literacy
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