Kaduna launches KD-CHAMPS programme

The Kaduna State Government has officially flagged off a comprehensive school-based mental health initiative, marking a major shift from policy design to on-the-ground implementation under the Kaduna Children Amplified Prevention System (Kd-CHAMPS). The programme, delivered in partnership with the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board, represents the anchor component of the state’s strategy to tackle […]

The Kaduna State Government has officially flagged off a comprehensive school-based mental health initiative, marking a major shift from policy design to on-the-ground implementation under the Kaduna Children Amplified Prevention System (Kd-CHAMPS).

The programme, delivered in partnership with the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board, represents the anchor component of the state’s strategy to tackle mental health challenges and substance abuse among children and adolescents.

Driven by the vision of Governor Uba Sani, the initiative focuses on early intervention—targeting children from early childhood through adolescence.

It replaces traditional awareness campaigns with a structured, evidence-based system aimed at building resilience and equipping young people with life skills before mental health issues or substance use begin.

The urgency of the programme is reinforced by findings from a state technical committee led by child and adolescent psychiatrist Aisha Abubakar-Abdullateef. According to the research, one in seven children in Kaduna experiences mental health distress, while half of all mental health conditions begin by the age of 14.

To address this, Kaduna has adapted the World Health Organization Mental Health in Schools framework—becoming one of the first in Africa to localise the model.

 

Central to the rollout is the establishment of Counselling Support Units (CSUs) within schools. These units will provide structured Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), shifting school systems from reactive discipline to proactive care and early intervention.

 

Speaking at the flag-off, SUBEB Chairman Mubarak Muhammed described the initiative as a turning point for the state’s education sector.

 

“This initiative represents a turning point for our education system,” he said, adding, “For too long, mental health and substance abuse issues have been addressed in fragments. What Kd-CHAMPS offers is a coordinated, home-grown solution rooted in evidence and collaboration.”

 

He added that the programme reflects how government institutions can align resources and expertise to address complex social challenges.

 

A representative of the World Health Organization also reaffirmed continued technical support to ensure effective scale-up and sustainability of the programme.

 

The initiative is designed for statewide impact, covering all 23 local government areas in Kaduna.

 

In its current phase, the programme will be implemented across 253 schools, including public basic, senior secondary, and private institutions.

 

More than 2,000 educators will be trained as Counselling Support Officers, equipping them to deliver frontline mental health support.

 

The programme is expected to reach over 200,000 children and adolescents, significantly expanding access to early intervention services. It also aims to reduce the counsellor-to-student ratio from 1:5000 to 1:250, a major improvement in care capacity.

 

According to the Director General of the Kaduna State Mental Health and Substance Abuse Agency, Joseph O. Ike, the initiative is focused on building a lasting system rather than temporary interventions.

 

“We are not just making a statement; we are building a system,” he said. “By placing professional-grade support within schools, we are ensuring every child has the tools to navigate challenges and avoid substance abuse.”