When passion meets purpose, conversations like this happen. We sat with the OSUMSA President who is not just a leader, but a loud voice for anything mental health - to unpack the stigma, the silence, and the strength in seeking help.
EKUNDAYO AYOMIDE, OSUMSA PRESIDENT.
OSUMSA NEWS AGENCY: To begin, could you kindly introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your role as President of the MSA?
President: I’m Ekundayo Ayomide, President of The Osun State University Medical Students’ Association. As President, I make sure the association runs smoothly, oversee members’ welfare, and coordinate the activities of the executive council. I also assign duties to other executives when necessary.
OSUMSA NEWS AGENCY: Thank you for your response. I would like to proceed to the main questions now. Firstly, why is it important to spotlight men’s mental health, especially within a campus setting?
President: Thank you for the question! Spotlighting men’s mental health on campus is important because many male students quietly struggle with stress, pressure, and loneliness, but feel they must “man up” instead of speaking up. Society often teaches men to hide their emotions, which makes it harder for them to seek help when they’re overwhelmed. On campus, where academic demands, financial stress, and identity struggles are real, this silence can easily turn into burnout, depression, or worse. Creating space to talk about men’s mental health reminds everyone that strength isn’t about pretending to be fine; it’s about being honest, getting support, and growing through challenges together.
OSUMSA NEWS AGENCY: Thank you for your insightful response. Following that, as MSA President, have you observed or experienced any mental health challenges among male students personally, or through your role? How has that shaped the way you approach supporting them?
President: Yes, I’ve observed quite a number of challenges, especially during my time as the Pioneer Chairperson of our Mental Health Awareness Club. Many male students often mask their struggles with jokes or overwork, finding it hard to admit when they’re overwhelmed. I remember one student who constantly volunteered for tasks but later confided that he was using work to distract himself from personal stress. As a certified Mental Health First Aider, that experience taught me that support often starts with listening without judgment. So now, in my leadership roles, I try to create safe spaces where men can talk freely; sometimes it’s not about formal counselling but simply letting them know they’re seen and heard.
OSUMSA NEWS AGENCY: Thank you for sharing that. Many male students are often hesitant to speak up about their mental health. In your opinion, what are the main reasons behind this reluctance, and how can we address them?
President: I think a big part of it comes from how boys are raised. From a young age, many are told not to cry or show weakness, so by the time they get to university, opening up feels almost unnatural. In our campus setting, there’s also the pressure to appear confident and “in control,” especially among peers. Nobody wants to be seen as the one who’s struggling when everyone else seems to be doing fine. Peer groups can make it worse: there’s often subtle teasing or stigma when a guy admits he’s stressed or emotionally drained. Some even fear being seen as less capable or “soft”. To change that, we need to normalize honest conversations among male students. Peer-led discussions, mentorship circles, and visible male role models who talk openly about mental health can make a big difference. It’s also important for student leaders to show empathy and remind others that strength isn’t about silence; it’s about self-awareness and asking for help when you need it.
OSUMSA NEWS AGENCY: Thank you for this perspective. Are there any programs, initiatives, or activities within the MSA that specifically aim to promote mental health awareness and support for male students on campus?
President: At the moment, there are no specific programs within the MSA that focus solely on male students’ mental health. However, this is something we’ve recognized as a gap that needs attention. The Welfare Director and the Mental Health Awareness Club can collaborate to organize initiatives that speak directly to men’s struggles on campus. For example, we could host a “Men’s Mental Health Hangout” – a relaxed, non-formal space where male students can share experiences and learn coping strategies over light activities like games or sports. We could also introduce peer support circles or monthly “check-in” sessions where men talk about stress, relationships, and academic pressure without judgment. Inviting male professionals to share their personal mental health journeys could also help break stereotypes and encourage openness. The goal is to make mental health conversations feel normal, not like a taboo topic.
OSUMSA NEWS AGENCY: These sound very promising. It’d be great if such initiatives were actually implemented. Moving on, what role do you believe student leaders should play in fostering mental health awareness and support on campus? I know you already touched on it earlier, but it’d be nice if you could expand on it further.
President: Student leaders have a huge role to play because we’re often the closest link between students and the system. People are more likely to open up to their peers or leaders they see every day than to a formal counsellor they barely know. First, we have to lead by example: showing that it’s okay to talk about stress, failure, or burnout. When leaders are honest about their own challenges, it makes others feel less alone. Second, we should create an environment that prioritizes people over performance. That means checking in on members regularly, not only when it’s time for work or events. Student leaders can also advocate for mental health policies within associations, like flexible deadlines during exam season or emotional wellness breaks after major programs. Partnering with the Mental Health Club or professionals to organize awareness programs, group therapy sessions, or mentorship activities is another practical way to help. In short, leadership isn’t just about organizing events; it’s about creating a culture where students feel supported, seen, and valued beyond their achievements.
OSUMSA NEWS AGENCY: Thank you for sharing that important message, sir. Building on that, how do you think peers and friends can create a more supportive and open space for men to talk about their mental health struggles?
President: I think it starts with how we relate to one another daily. Sometimes, the smallest gestures: checking in on a friend, noticing when someone goes quiet, or simply saying “How are you, really?” – can open a door. Many guys are willing to talk; they just need to feel it’s safe to do so without being mocked or dismissed. Friends can make a big difference by listening without trying to fix everything. Just being present and showing genuine concern helps more than long advice. Also, we need to drop the habit of turning every serious moment into a joke – humor has its place, but sometimes it silences real pain. Another step is to create casual spaces for real talk – like after a football match, group hangout, or hostel discussion. When mental health conversations happen naturally among friends, it removes the stigma. Encouraging one another to seek help when needed should also be normal. It’s not weakness; it’s wisdom. In the end, it’s about looking out for each other and reminding our friends that they don’t have to go through tough times alone.
OSUMSA NEWS AGENCY: This is really inspiring. We’ve reached our final question, but it’s definitely an important one. What advice or message would you like to share with any young man who might be quietly struggling with his mental health?
President: I’d say this: you don’t have to have everything figured out right now, and struggling doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. Life in school and beyond can feel like a constant test of strength, but even the strongest people need rest, help, and understanding. Talk to someone – a friend, mentor, or counsellor. You’re not a burden for needing support. Take small steps: eat, rest, pray or reflect, and give yourself credit for trying. Healing isn’t always dramatic; sometimes it’s just choosing to keep going, one day at a time. A quote that captures it well is from Viktor Frank: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”Your pain doesn’t define you – it’s part of your story, not the end of it.
OSUMSA NEWS AGENCY: With this, we’ve come to the end of our interview today. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences with us today. Your insights on men’s mental health are truly valuable, and I’m sure they will encourage many students to open up and seek support. We appreciate your leadership and dedication to this important cause. Wishing you all the best in your work with the MSA and beyond. Thank you once again!
President: Thank you. It was a great pleasure and honour.
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