Youth wellness and personal development coach, Rector Pascal, has urged University students to reject substance abuse and pursue genuine happiness by confronting life's challenges with courage rather than seeking temporary escapes.

Pascal gave this advice while delivering the keynote address at the Mental Health Summit 2.0 x Happiness Fest 2.0, held at the Old Great Hall of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

The event, organised by Admap UNILAG in collaboration with HAPPINESSng, was themed "Happiness Unlocked" and brought together students, educators and mental health advocates to discuss mental health, substance use and purposeful living.

Speaking on the topic "Chasing Shadows, Seeking Light," Pascal highlighted challenges confronting university students, including academic pressure, financial hardship, family instability, burnout and peer influence, observing that many young people turn to alcohol and drugs as a means of escape.

"Substances often enter the picture as a temporary escape," he stated. "A puff here, a drink there to relax, to forget, or to fit in. But what starts as escape quickly becomes a deeper trap."

He explained that the summit was designed as a judgement free platform where individuals battling substance use, as well as those supporting affected friends and family members, could find understanding, encouragement and practical guidance.

According to Pascal, mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and academic burnout often drive students towards substance use, but such coping mechanisms only worsen their emotional and psychological struggles.

He urged students to pursue healthier alternatives by seeking support, building meaningful relationships and discovering purpose rather than relying on temporary highs.

Participants described the keynote as inspiring, relatable and timely, commending its message of hope and resilience in addressing growing mental health challenges facing students in tertiary institutions.

At the end of the programme, Pascal received an Award of Recognition in appreciation of his contribution as keynote speaker and his commitment to promoting youth empowerment and mental health awareness.

Organisers from Admap UNILAG and HAPPINESSng described the summit as a success, noting that it encouraged open conversations about mental health and reinforced the need for campus initiatives promoting students' overall wellbeing beyond academic achievement.

They added that with rising concerns over mental health among young Nigerians, such programmes remain essential in helping students build resilience and find lasting happiness through purpose, support and self awareness rather than harmful coping mechanisms.