By: Sonaike Peter

A student who has health, who has hope, has everything. Well-being, a general state of health, beyond a personal concern, can be very much a cornerstone for achieving academic excellence. In a competitive University of Ibadan, maintaining good health is essential to academic excellence.

There are required efforts to shape a good health profile. To keep safe, many students have adopted a variety of healthy habits. These include regular workouts at gyms, staying hydrated by consuming only nutritious drinks, embracing vegetarian or balanced diets, and engaging in physical activities that promote overall vitality.

Such lifestyle choices are not only beneficial for physical health but also play a significant role in enhancing focus, energy levels, and cognitive function, all of which are critical for academic performance.

Emmanuel Tobechukwu, a final-year Pharmacy student from the Great Independence Hall, serves as a prime example of this commitment to health. After experiencing health challenges during his early years at the University, Emmanuel realized the importance of prioritizing wellness for academic success. He has developed a strict regimen to maintain his health, including purifying tap water from his hall by boiling it before consumption, avoiding carbonated drinks and opting for a diet rich in nutrients.

“When my health falters, I refuse to self-medicate,“ Emmanuel said in an interview with IndyPress.

Emmanuel prefers to seek professional medical advice at Jaja Clinic, a campus health facility, rather than relying on over-the-counter medications. This proactive approach stems from his previous experiences with infections, prompting him to engage in regular exercise and maintain a clean living environment to prevent health setbacks.

“I believe you are what you eat,” Emmanuel explained. “If you don’t eat well, it will negatively affect your immune system. As an Igbo man, I avoid self-meditation medication because of the potential side effects.”

His perspective highlights the pertinence of health practices, as well as the belief that nutrition is foundational to well-being.

Another student, Emmanuel Odoku, a 300-level Agricultural Agronomy, shares a similar impression on health. Odoku takes specific steps in his daily life to prioritize his well-being. For instance, he chooses to use the restroom in his department rather than the one in his hall of residence, Indy Hall, due to hygiene concerns. Additionally, he prepares his own meals to avoid unhealthy fast-food options.

Due to financial constraints, he has made the conscious decision to switch from sachet water to tap water, which he treats with care, and maintains an active lifestyle by walking regularly between Independence Hall and Agbowo.

“Health is wealth. Without being healthy, I can’t concentrate on my studies,” Odoku told IndyPress.

Aderinto Tawhid, a 300-level Electrical and Electronics Engineering student, also emphasized the importance of hygiene in maintaining health. Tawhid believes that clean clothing is essential for personal hygiene, which is the reason he goes to great length to ensure his clothes are washed regularly. Although he drinks water from his hall, he feels confident that any water source is safe to consume as long as it is boiled. To keep fit, Aderinto takes long walks twice a week and shares the common belief among students like Tobechukwu and Emmanuel that a balanced diet is critical for optimal health.

“I believe one should prioritize health in any environment,” Aderinto stated. “I ensure that I wash what I wear and am careful about what I consume.”

His disciplined approach to health reflects a broader trend among students at University of Ibadan, who recognize that maintaining their well-being is crucial for navigating the rigours of academic life.

Damilola, a 300-level Geology student, emphasizes a holistic approach to health, encompassing both physical and mental well-being. Damilola in his own space maintains a clean living space to prevent illness and actively manages stress through reading and regular exercise.

While he prefers a diet rich in vegetables, he acknowledges that he occasionally indulges in junk food, particularly during power outages when cooking options are limited.

“I prioritize my health because I know how detrimental poor health can be, not just academically but in every aspect of life, “Damilola remarked.

His awareness of the interconnectedness of physical and mental health illustrates a growing consciousness among students about the importance of overall wellness.

The urgency of prioritizing health is underscored by alarming statistics. A 2018 report by Vanguard revealed that 376,039 deaths occurred in Nigeria in 2016 due to inadequate access to quality healthcare.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition highlights the multifaceted nature of health, emphasizing that it encompasses more than just physical fitness.

Mental Health: A Crucial Focus for Students

In addition to physical health, mental well-being is a critical focus for many students at the University of Ibadan. WHO estimates that approximately 20% of Nigerians are affected by mental illness, a statistic that underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues within the student population.

A 2023 report by WHO revealed that over 700,000 people worldwide die by suicide annually, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize mental health, particularly among students who often face academic pressures.

Organizations like Asido Network UI, advocate strongly for mental well-being, emphasizing its significance in a competitive academic landscape.

Some students have recognized the importance of managing mental health proactively. Some find effective strategies by focusing on aspects of their lives they can control while letting go of those they cannot.

Goodluck, a 300-level Law student, addresses her mental health through accountability partners and regular breaks. She has a supportive friend with whom she discusses her issues, helping her manage stress. Goodluck also organizes her study time effectively and makes sure she gets sufficient rest.

“The UI calendar is super-fast and I have this tendency of breaking down. When I realize that I’m pushing too hard or getting overwhelmed by a particular course, I always pull myself back and take a break. And my break can be as easy as closing my books and sleeping as long as I normally should,” Goodluck said.

She also mentioned that she is struggling with a particular course but is actively working to overcome the difficulties.

Praise, a 300-level Library and Archival Information student relies on reading and surrounding himself with supportive individuals to bolster his emotional well-being.

“To excel academically at UI, prioritizing mental health is crucial”, Praise stated. Regular communication with family and friends significantly contributes to his mental resilience. He enjoys spending time outdoors with friends, which helps alleviate feelings of boredom or loneliness that can arise in a demanding academic environment.

Boluwatife, a penultimate-year Veterinary Medicine student, emphasizes the importance of understanding emotional triggers to maintain mental health. He strives for high grades to avoid feelings of sadness and prefers to spend time with friends to prevent excessive overthinking. His proactive approach to mental well-being mirrors the sentiments of many students who are increasingly aware of the importance of mental health.

“What has supported my mental health is focusing on what makes me happy,” Damilola added, underscoring the importance of prioritizing mental wellness. This perspective highlights the significance of finding joy and fulfilment in daily activities, even amidst academic pressure.

Filling The Slot: University Health Service (Jaja Clinic)

The University Health Service, though established to guarantee and safeguard the physical and mental health of student, has had a history of ineffectiveness and incompetence. Like mainstream medical institutions, Jaja clinic is afflicted with the several challenges common to Nigerian clinics; long waits, low funding, small labour force and unprofessionalism.

On May 7 2015, a mass of the University of Ibadan students protested against the stark incompetence and unprofessionalism of staff of Jaja clinic, following the death of Mayowa Alaran. The late 200 level student allegedly died due to delayed medical attention. Despite several reassurance in improvement of the University Health Service, the inefficiencies of Jaja clinic still lingers. Sick students daily endure long waits and disorderly process.

Mide Gbadegesin, a Postgraduate student bemoans the poor medical service at Jaja clinic. “I will rather self-medicate or rather visit a pharmacy store than wait for long to be attended to at Jaja”.

The University Health Service no doubt needs to improve in order to assure beyond good health but also a pleasant learning experience for students. Despite the challenges posed by rising inflation and reduced purchasing power, many students at UI remain steadfast in their commitment to prioritizing their health, understanding that investing in their well-being is essential for academic success and overall quality of life.