Developing a Peer Counselling Training Model for Suicide Prevention in Nigerian Universities

Peer counsellors in university settings can significantly extend the reach of professional mental health services and provide accessible first-level support for students experiencing suicidal thoughts, yet a Nigeria-specific peer counsellor suicide prevention training model does not currently exist. This study developed a peer counsellor suicide prevention training model for Nigerian universities, drawing on evidence review and professional consultation across four geopolitical zones. A model development methodology was adopted, incorporating systematic review of peer suicide prevention training models, consultations with 20 university counselling centre directors, and focus groups with 30 student peer counsellors from universities in Lagos, Plateau, Anambra, and Kano States. The review confirmed Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and Question-Persuade-Refer models as the most evidence-supported frameworks, while stakeholder consultations identified Nigerian-specific adaptations needed for cultural attitudes toward mental health disclosure, the role of religion in crisis support, appropriate boundaries for student peer helpers, and campus communication channel integration. The peer counsellor training model developed covers eight competency areas: understanding suicide risk and protective factors, recognising warning signs, safe communication about suicide, application of QPR techniques, confidential referral pathways, peer counsellor self-care, working with spirituality and cultural factors, and crisis documentation. A two-day intensive training curriculum, supervisor oversight guide, and competency assessment tool are provided. Expert review by 12 counselling and suicide prevention specialists confirmed the model's clinical safety and cultural appropriateness.

Keywords: peer counsellor training, suicide prevention, university students, Nigeria, mental health promotion