Nigeria is the most populous country in the African Continent and still stands out as one of the 15 largest nations of the world.

... INTRODUCTION Nigeria is the most populous country in the African Continent and still stands out as one of the 15 largest nations of the world. The country has an estimated population of over 120 million people belonging to various ethnic groups with distinct socio-cultural backgrounds. Like in most other parts of the world, mental and behavioural pathologies, especially the enduring mental disorders (schizophrenia's) have been known to constitute an enormous health burden of Nigeria. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights made it clear that medical treatment should be a basic right for those suffering from mental disorders. Furthermore, in providing treatment and in protecting sufferers and others from potential danger, their respective basic rights must also be guaranteed. Legal safeguards should also be an essential (Desjarrlais et al, 1995). Unfortunately, the misery and emotional turmoil caused by these problems are not often perceived as threatening enough, except by those who directly feel them.

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