School-Based Mental Health Support Systems in Urban Nigerian Schools: Dropout Rate Reduction and Academic Achievement Enhancement

Urban Nigerian schools face significant challenges in retaining students due to mental health issues that often go unaddressed. Dropout rates remain high, affecting both educational outcomes and long-term socio-economic development. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing student mental well-being and academic performance. Qualitative interviews were conducted with teachers and parents to gather insights into the effectiveness of the interventions. An analysis of survey data revealed a statistically significant drop in dropout rates by 20% (95% CI: -18% to -32%) following the implementation of mental health support systems. Academic achievement scores also showed an average improvement of 15% (SE = ±3%, p < 0.05). The findings suggest that integrating comprehensive mental health services into school curricula can substantially reduce dropout rates and enhance student academic performance in urban Nigerian schools. School administrators should prioritise the development of robust mental health support systems to foster a healthier learning environment, thereby improving educational outcomes for students.