By: Oladejo Abdullah
Sound mental health is a necessity for good academic performance. A lack of mental balance can undermine students’ well-being.
The World Health Organization, says, “mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to their community.” It can be inferred that for every individual to realize their academic potential and contribute meaningfully to society, they must be mentally balanced.
The Issues
At the University of Ibadan, where students are burdened with loads of academic responsibilities, prioritizing mental well-being can be quite difficult. Accommodation challenges alone can take an unimaginable toll. Some students, as of the time of this report, are still struggling with settling accommodation concern, making it impossible for them to attend classes regularly.
Electricity issues can also lead to mental exhaustion. Some students complain about being disconnected from the power supply in their floors or blocks. This consequently make both their living and learning experiences difficult. Out of inconvenience, these students are forced by the situation to move from one room to another.
Fee-related concerns also affect students’ mental health. Some students, especially those without sponsors, are perpetually under pressure to cope with increasing financial demands. The situation is so exhausting that it has had to push some female students to sell their ova in exchange for money.
The pressure to meet academic requirements brings its own set of challenges. Students, particularly those in the Faculty of Technology, have already been experiencing sleepless nights studying, in order not to fall victim to “erosion.” The same goes for other departments and faculties.
Financial instability is another strand of factor affecting students’ mental health. Some students are not financially balanced, which affects their focus on academics. These students often suffer from malnutrition and may abandon their studies for menial jobs in order to survive. The need to strike balance between work and study can be inherently a difficult experience.
The inability to cope with stress can severely impact students’ mental health. In extreme cases, it can lead to suicide. There have been instances where students took their own lives due to academic failure. A notable example is Favour Ugwuka, a final-year student at Ebonyi State University, who allegedly committed suicide after being repeatedly failed by a lecturer. The lecturer, Professor Amechi Uneke Enyi, was accused of victimization, although the university management later absolved him of wrongdoing.
Victimization also takes a toll on students’ mental well-being. In a feature published by IndyPress in November 2024, Mide Gbadegesin, a 700-level student from the Institute of African Studies, shared how his mental health was negatively affected after being victimized for peacefully protesting against the fee hike, alongside two other students.
Mental exhaustion is detrimental not only to students’ academic performance but also to their general well-being. Without good mental health, students are likely to underperform. It is for this reason that students must prioritize their mental well-being above all else. Their lives, quite literally, depend on it.
Beyond academics, students should also cultivate a social life to support their mental health. This could include visiting serene locations on or off-campus to unwind. They may also attend the Institute of African Studies’ weekly film series every Thursday.
Networking is another activity that can boost mental health. Rather than living a strictly triangular life of lectures, hostel, and library/religious activities, students should expand their social circles. Networking helps prevent boredom and opens up opportunities both on campus and beyond.
More importantly, student representatives have significant roles to play in safeguarding students’ mental health. As custodians of student welfare, elected leaders must prioritize initiatives that promote mental well-being. By addressing issues related to accommodation, electricity, and fees, they can make a tangible impact on the mental health of students.
As the ongoing academic session progresses, it is essential for students to actively combat any factor that threatens their mental well-being. Excellent academic performance or underperformance depends on it.
