40th Inaugural Lecture: Varsity Don Charts Path to Conquering Mental Illness Scourge
By Francis Nansak, Lafia
Professor Charity Justin Takyun, a Professor of Medical and Health Psychology in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State, has identified mental illness as one of the most daunting hurdles in human existence, capable of derailing lives and communities if left unchecked.
In her insightful 40th Inaugural Lecture titled “Navigating Life’s Challenges: Understanding and Addressing Mental Illnesses,” the erudite scholar not only dissected the complexities of mental health struggles but also proffered actionable solutions to empower individuals and society in overcoming them.
The epoch-making event unfolded on Wednesday at the university’s expansive Multipurpose Hall, drawing a cross-section of academia, students, dignitaries, and the public eager to glean wisdom from this landmark academic discourse.
As she took the podium, Professor Takyun opened her over 90-page lecture by acknowledging a universal truth: everyone navigates difficult times, and it is entirely natural to grapple with negative emotions when life’s storms rage.
She delved deeply into how these challenges, ranging from personal losses and economic hardships to societal pressures, can profoundly erode well-being and physical health, underscoring the interconnectedness of mind and body in the Nigerian context where stigma often compounds the crisis.
With clinical precision backed by years of research, the professor illuminated both the shadowy negative repercussions of unaddressed mental strains, such as depression and anxiety, and the silver linings that emerge when challenges are met with resilience and strategic interventions.
Her solutions were practical and rooted in everyday applicability, urging proactive measures like mindfulness practices, social support networks, and professional therapy to restore balance and foster holistic health improvements.
Setting the tone for the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shehu Rahman, extended a rousing welcome to all guests, hailing the lecture as a vital platform where seasoned professors illuminate their paths of research innovation, teaching excellence, and community engagement.
Professor Rahman spotlighted Professor Takyun’s pioneering role, declaring: “Professor Charity is an outstanding scholar presenting the first inaugural lecture from the Department of Psychology of this university. I therefore congratulate her, the Department of Psychology, and the Faculty of Social Sciences on this achievement.”
He lavished praise on the lecturer’s scholarly prowess, describing her as “one of the finest researchers in recent times, known for her dedication to her profession and her students,” a testament to her unwavering commitment amid the rigours of academic life in Nigeria’s evolving higher education landscape.
Addressing students, guests, and the wider public directly, Professor Takyun implored: “Take these recommendations seriously,” emphasizing that ignoring mental health invites broader societal costs, from reduced productivity to fractured families in Nigeria’s fast-paced, stress-laden environment.
The lecture’s climax arrived with the ceremonial presentation of an award plaque, formally enshrining Professor Charity Justin Takyun’s status as a full professor, amid applause from the Vice-Chancellor, fellow scholars, and attendees who left inspired to champion mental health advocacy.
