Nine years ago, Hadiza Bello arrived unannounced at the home of a childhood friend in Tudun Wada, Zaria. She appeared visibly ex...
Nine years ago, Hadiza Bello arrived unannounced at the home of a childhood friend in Tudun Wada, Zaria. She appeared visibly exhausted, distressed, and in a confused state.
Her longtime friend, who has known her since childhood, recalled that Bello repeatedly complained of feeling as though something was “crawling” beneath her skin. She also displayed signs of intense fear and disorientation. At the time, neither her family nor friends fully understood the seriousness of her condition.
That moment would later mark the beginning of a prolonged mental health struggle that would span nearly a decade and drastically change the trajectory of her life.
Today, Hadiza Bello—a mother of five and holder of a Master’s degree in Mathematics—is working to rebuild her life after years of illness that nearly derailed her future.
Once a respected teacher with a promising career, her condition gradually worsened over time. As her mental health deteriorated, she lost her marriage, became separated from her children, and was unable to continue in her profession.
Meanwhile, Family members and friends recount distressing episodes during the peak of her illness. On one occasion, she reportedly walked barefoot from Zaria to Kano. On another, she was declared missing and later found near an international border by immigration officials before being reunited with her family.
Throughout the years, Bello received treatment in several medical and rehabilitation facilities, as relatives and friends made sustained efforts to support her recovery.
“Mental illness took away almost everything she had worked for,” said one of her close friends. “There were times we truly feared we had lost her completely.”
In recent years, however, her condition has improved significantly, following continuous medical care and strong support from family members, friends, and former classmates.
Last weekend, members of the Millennium Set (Class of 2000), Government Girls Secondary School Samaru—an alumni group to which Bello belongs—visited her after organizing a fundraising effort in her support.
The delegation included Barrister Anna Mangut, Mariya Danmama, Mrs. Victoria Abdul, Halima Usaini, Madiha Zarruk, and other alumni who contributed financially to assist their former classmate.
During the visit, Bello expressed appreciation for the support she has received. However, she also noted that financial hardship remains a major challenge in her recovery journey.
According to those present, she expressed a strong desire to return to productive work but explained that memory-related difficulties arising from her illness have made it difficult for her to resume teaching.
“All I need is a job,” she was quoted as saying.
Her situation reflects the wider challenges faced by many Nigerians living with mental health conditions. While treatment can lead to recovery, reintegration into society is often hindered by unemployment, stigma, and limited support systems.
Mental health advocates say cases like Bello’s highlight the urgent need for greater awareness, improved access to mental healthcare, and stronger social welfare structures for affected individuals.
For Bello, however, the struggle remains deeply personal. While many of her peers are settled in stable careers and family life, she is still working to recover what was lost during years of illness.
Her friends say they remain hopeful about her future.
“We are grateful she is alive, recovering, and determined to move forward,” one classmate said. “What she needs now is opportunity, support, and understanding. She deserves a chance to rebuild her life.”
As her recovery journey continues, friends, family members, and well-wishers are calling on individuals, organizations, and potential employers to support her through job opportunities, financial assistance, and other forms of intervention.
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Hussaini Halima
First Bank
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