NJIKO: A Multi-Disciplinary Journal of Humanities, Law, Education and Social Sciences

The issue of suicidal behaviour among students in tertiary institutions has been a grave concern to education stakeholders, especially guidance counsellors. However, the death of a student by suicide represents a devastating loss that affects many individuals from the student’s family, friends, witnesses, roommates, faculty members, and academic staff. Many lives have been permanently damaged through self-destructive acts, and the problem is not only the industrialised countries but also of the developing ones. The paper therefore focuses on risk factors for suicidal behaviour among students of tertiary institutions. It also covers a review of relevant literature on the concept of suicidal behaviour, categories of suicidal behaviour, signs of suicidal behaviour, theory of suicidal behaviour, and counselling strategies for reducing suicidal behaviour. It was suggested that school counsellors should educate students about suicidal behaviour, including its risk factors and warning signs, and provide counselling on ways to overcome the problem.

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