The University of Port Harcourt, in partnership with THE BOYS CARE Foundation, held a one-day summit aimed at addressing the mental health and emotional well-being of male students.
The event, which took place on campus, sought to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and equip young men with tools to navigate their formative years with confidence, resilience, and empathy.
According to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, the summit was a response to the unspoken struggles male students often face due to societal expectations of masculinity.
“They are under societal pressure to ‘man up’ without ever being taught what it means to be a man,” he wrote in a statement released via his official social media handle.
The Vice Chancellor noted that boys are frequently taught to suppress emotion—“not to cry, not to show weakness, and so they break but quietly.” He emphasized that the responsibility of manhood should not equate to emotional isolation or silence, but rather to growth, healing, and service.
“It means having the courage to say ‘I need help’ when faced with daunting challenges. It means lifting one another, not mocking another’s pain,” Georgewill stated.
The summit featured talks, group interactions, and mentoring sessions facilitated by faculty members and representatives of THE BOYS CARE Foundation. Discussions focused on reshaping cultural narratives around masculinity, encouraging help-seeking behavior, and promoting mental wellness among young men.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated his personal commitment to the cause, assuring the students of the university’s support. “We told them they are not alone as young men—we are here for them. I, as their Vice Chancellor, too, am here for them,” he added.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by the University of Port Harcourt to create a more inclusive, emotionally safe learning environment that recognizes and addresses gender-specific mental health concerns.
The summit concluded with a call to action for young men to embrace vulnerability as strength and to support one another in facing the pressures of academic and personal life.
