Lifestyle

By Uzair Adam

The Hausa language is one of the fastest-growing languages, not only in Nigeria but also in other parts of Africa and countries such as China, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

However, despite its increasing global recognition and recorded successes, Hausa people seem to be neglecting the cultural teachings and traditions of their ancestors.

Hausa customs, norms, and values are gradually fading, turning into historical relics that may soon exist only in books or folktales.

This trend has raised concerns among cultural stakeholders.In response, the I-Care Initiative organized a two-day workshop in Kano from Monday to Tuesday, focusing on the preservation of Hausa traditions in the 21st century.

The event brought together stakeholders from various Hausa-speaking states in Nigeria to discuss the way forward through presentations, Hausa poetry, and other cultural showcases.

The workshop featured prominent Hausa novelists, including Dr. Bilkisu and Hajiya Hadiza Nuhu, as well as renowned traditional musicians such as Aminu Ala.

It also attracted traditional dancers, academics from Nigerian languages and mass communication departments, and other cultural enthusiasts.

According to Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, the Chairperson of I-Care Initiative and wife of former Vice President Namadi Sambo, the event aimed to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Hausa people.

She noted the importance of preserving Hausa culture, stating, “Nowadays, many of our children can hardly speak Hausa without code-mixing or code-switching.”

She also lamented the decline of traditional Hausa cuisine, noting that many young people no longer know how to prepare these dishes.

To address this, the event showcased various Hausa delicacies alongside traditional businesses, allowing attendees to learn and appreciate their heritage.

Hajiya Amina further criticized the growing disregard for Hausa traditions, which has led some to believe they are superior to the Hausa people.

She urged individuals to read Hausa literature and called on Hausa filmmakers to promote authentic Hausa culture in their productions.

Speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Sayyada Rahma Abdulmajid, praised Hausa culture and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to preserving Nigerian traditions.

He highlighted the creation of a ministry dedicated to cultural preservation and the allocation of significant funds for this purpose.

Shettima reiterated the global significance of Nigerian culture, stating, “Our culture commands great respect worldwide.

“Wherever you go, among every five black people, one is Nigerian. Moreover, the best among them is often a Nigerian.”

The event also showcased Hausa crafts and trades, such as hand fans (mafici), woven mats (tabarma), clay pots (tukunyar kasa), and dyeing techniques.

These businesses have historically connected Hausa traders from Kano to Sokoto, Zaria to Timbuktu, Marrakech, and across West and North Africa.

“Through these businesses, the Hausa man built his own house and city, which later contributed to the formation of Northern Nigeria,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Aliyu Bunza from the Department of Nigerian Languages, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, took attendees on a historical journey tracing the origins of the Hausa people and the factors behind their success.

Bunza attributed their resilience to strong cultural and moral values, stating, “The Hausa people are known for their honesty and truthfulness. If you are trustworthy, you will earn their respect, but if they find you deceitful, they will not trust you.”

The event was attended by traditional titleholders, government officials, and wives of former governors, including Dr. Aisha Bala Muhammad, wife of the Bauchi State Governor, and Hajiya Amina Shekarau, wife of former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, among others.

By Isah Dahiru

The recent interview with popular Kannywood actress Nafisa Abdullahi has ignited a heated debate across the social landscape of northern Nigeria, capturing the attention of various commentators, particularly on social media. In her comments, Nafisa made a bold assertion, claiming she is in complete control of her body and mind, and no external pressure will sway her from dressing or presenting herself as she chooses. While many regard Nafisa as a rising icon in the realm of feminism, others view her stance as a challenge to societal norms, often overlooking moral values and even biological realities that define the differences between men and women.

However, I firmly believe that Nafisa and those who share her views are fundamentally misguided. Our bodies are not commodities to be paraded for public admiration. We are not here merely to fulfil some visual pleasure or as adornments for others’ gaze. Instead, we are human beings endowed with dignity and deserving of respect. As the saying goes, “Modesty is the garment of wisdom,” and our attire should reflect the strength of our character, not just the shapes of our bodies.

Some may view Nafisa’s perspective as a rallying cry for women’s rights, but we must question: at what cost? Feminism, when reduced to a struggle for the right to dress indecently or act without moral constraints, becomes an empty movement. True feminism should not undermine the fundamental principles of respect, but rather empower women to pursue their dreams, shape their futures, and contribute meaningfully to society. Yet, today, far too many feminists have turned their movement into a celebration of physicality and superficiality, often at the expense of deeper issues that affect women—such as access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for economic advancement.

“Not all that glitters is gold,” and the so-called “empowerment” that comes from making oneself a spectacle for public approval is fleeting at best. Our communities need leaders who inspire change through actions that address real problems, not through empty displays of vanity. Nafisa and her supporters must realise that feminism was never about endorsing self-destructive behaviours but advancing equality and opportunity for women, especially in the most critical areas—health, education, and justice.

Moreover, the widespread glorification of such behaviours leads to a dangerous distortion of the feminist narrative. In the pursuit of gender equality, many have lost sight of the core values that have guided humanity for centuries. As the Yoruba proverb says, “A child whose mother does not discipline will be disciplined by the world.” While Nafisa may feel empowered by her choices, she must ask herself whether these choices empower women or diminish their potential. Are they fostering respect, or are they merely setting up an unrealistic, unsustainable standard that undermines the integrity of the feminist movement?

The case of Nafisa is also emblematic of a broader issue in modern-day feminism: the movement has become entangled with other societal problems, including the normalisation of self-objectification. This is particularly damaging in northern Nigeria, where the pressures of social norms and expectations are often at odds with personal freedoms. It is one thing to advocate for women’s rights but another to ignore the vital cultural and moral fabric that holds communities together. The old adage, “When you are in Rome, do as the Romans do,” speaks to the importance of understanding context and respecting traditions that shape our societies.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that the modern feminist movement has, in many ways, become an outlet for personal grievances—whether stemming from personal insecurity or trauma. In some cases, it’s a response to physical abuse, neglect, or toxic home environments. Unfortunately, this mindset often distorts the movement into focusing on external appearance and aggressive defiance rather than internal healing and social harmony. Feminists like Nafisa who endorse such ideologies must ask themselves: Are we fighting for the right to make healthy, empowered choices, or are we simply reacting to our wounds?

“Empty vessels make the most noise,” the proverb warns. Feminism, when misdirected, can become just that: an empty echo of ideals without true substance or lasting impact. Instead of dwelling on appearances, activists should channel their energy into solving tangible issues affecting women daily. Why not focus on creating innovative solutions for women in business, technology, or healthcare? Why not work toward making pregnancy and childbirth safer for women in rural areas? Let’s think about addressing the millions of girls who are denied an education or the thousands of children living on the streets of cities like Jos and Kano. These are the real battles feminists should be fighting.

The world has always advanced through the cooperation of men and women, and both genders have vital roles to play in society’s development. Nafisa and her followers should consider taking a more constructive approach. Instead of focusing on outward appearances and ideological battles, they could use their platforms to bring about meaningful change. 

Let Nafisa invest her energy into projects to help women access technology, provide better healthcare, or champion the cause of good governance. As the saying goes, “A man with a good wife is like a man with a treasure chest”. True success comes not from looking beautiful for the world but from making contributions that endure long after physical beauty has faded.

Time waits for no one. The years spent in idle pursuits are years lost. Like all of us, Nafisa is in her prime, and it is her responsibility to use this time wisely. Rather than spending it on fleeting concerns like hair and makeup, let her invest in causes that uplift women and contribute to the collective well-being of society. Her legacy can be more than just a pretty face—it can be one of deep, transformative impact. “He who does not cultivate his own field, let him not expect to reap the harvest.”

The choice is hers—will she become a true role model, not just for how she dresses, but for the change she brings to the world?

By focusing on true empowerment and social progress, Nafisa can transcend the superficiality of celebrity culture and contribute to a more meaningful, lasting legacy for herself and the women who look up to her.

Isah Dahiru is a pharmacist who wrote via easerdahiru@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Benue State Government has disclosed that three individuals have died in the past week due to suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 12 suspected cases currently under investigation.

Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the state’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, made this known on Wednesday.

According to Dr. Ortese, all the incidents were recorded in Okpokwu Local Government Area within a one-week period.

He stated, “No confirmed cases yet,” explaining that 12 samples had been collected from individuals who had close contact with the deceased.

He further added that the results of the tests would determine the nature of the cases.

The Commissioner assured the public that the ministry’s emergency operations unit promptly took action by isolating those affected as a precautionary measure.

The situation remains under close monitoring while awaiting test results to confirm whether the deaths and suspected cases are indeed due to Lassa fever.

By Uzair Adam 

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has initiated a three-day warning strike in protest of unpaid salaries, allowances, and other unresolved issues. 

The Daily Reality leaned that the strike has disrupted services at government hospitals across Abuja.

In a press briefing held on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD FCTA, explained that the strike followed the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued last year. 

He lamented the neglect of healthcare workers’ welfare and hospitals in the nation’s capital.

Ebong called for urgent intervention from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to prevent an indefinite closure of hospitals in the region. 

He emphasized that the decision to go on strike was reached after a Congress held by ARD FCTA members on Tuesday.

The strike, which covers all government hospitals in Abuja, from Wuse to Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and others, follows months of unresolved demands. 

The doctors had earlier engaged in multiple dialogues with the authorities but saw no meaningful action, even after the government requested two additional weeks to address their grievances.

“We gave the government a three-week ultimatum to meet our demands, and after meeting them and discussing several times, nothing was done. Not even the minimum things. We expected the government to pay for the six months of unpaid arrears,” Ebong stated.

He criticized the neglect faced by doctors in Abuja, referring to them as “abandoned projects” and highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent the collapse of the healthcare system.

In December, ARD FCTA had warned of a possible shutdown if their demands were not met, with the current strike representing a call for immediate resolution. 

The association has warned that if their issues remain unaddressed after the three-day strike, they will consider an indefinite strike.

The full communique, also released at the press briefing, detailed the various concerns of the association, including unpaid salaries, delays in the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), unfulfilled accoutrement allowances, unpaid hazard allowances, and the lack of necessary hospital equipment. 

The communiqué also stressed the shortage of manpower in the healthcare sector, with many doctors leaving the country due to poor working conditions and lack of support. 

It concluded with a plea for the government to act swiftly to avoid further deterioration of the healthcare system in Abuja.

By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman

In the bustling city-state of Kano, a silent revolution is taking place – one that may not capture the headlines every day, but which is certainly transforming the lives of countless residents.

At the heart of this change is the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose tireless focus on the health and welfare of Kano’s most vulnerable population has started to yield tangible, life-saving results.

When Governor Yusuf assumed office in May 2023, one of the first areas he addressed was the health sector, which had been severely neglected in the previous administration. Topmost among his priorities was the reinstatement of routine immunization services that had been abandoned for 18 months under the previous leadership.

This was not just a bureaucratic fix, but a critical step towards safeguarding the lives of newborns, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups who had been left exposed to preventable diseases.

The restoration of immunization services was, therefore, an immediate response to a looming crisis and a clear signal of the governor’s commitment to maternal and child health.

In addition to reviving routine healthcare services, Governor Yusuf also recognized the need for more infrastructure to support the state’s health system.

For instance, during the re-commissioning of the 86-bed Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital, he declared free maternal healthcare services across the state.

The Hasiya Bayero Hospital, named after the mother of the late Emir of Kano, had been allegedly sold under the previous administration, despite consistent denials from the former government. Governor Yusuf lamented the hardship caused by the hospital’s closure, noting that it had forced Kano residents to seek paediatric care elsewhere at unaffordable costs.

Moreover, Governor Yusuf made it clear that his administration was committed to restoring the hospital’s services. “Our administration is dedicated to providing all the necessary support for a quality healthcare system in the state, including free maternal healthcare services,” he declared while commissioning the hospital.

Additionally, he emphasized that the hospital would offer nutritional services, immunization, research and training, and two-way referral services.

This commitment forms part of his broader plan to reduce high neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality rates, an issue that has plagued the state for years.

Furthermore, he underscored the importance of redeploying skilled medical personnel to run the hospital efficiently, reinforcing his government’s focus on health worker dedication and professional ethics.

In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Governor Yusuf’s focus is not limited to hospitals alone. As part of his digitalization agenda, he recently distributed 484 computers to the Apex Primary Healthcare Centres across all 44 local government areas.

This move is part of a larger initiative to ensure the efficient operation of healthcare facilities through technological upgrades, as well as a commitment to renovating several major hospitals, including Sir Muhammadu Sanusi, Hasiya Bayero, and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Additionally, solar facilities were provided to key offices to ensure uninterrupted services.

This comprehensive upgrade of the healthcare infrastructure aims to ensure that every resident, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to affordable and quality healthcare.

As a result, Governor Yusuf’s administration has allocated substantial funds in the 2025 budget to continue this renovation work, targeting hundreds of secondary and primary healthcare facilities across the state.

Furthermore, Governor Yusuf’s health-focused vision also tackles another major issue facing Kano State: malnutrition. As part of his efforts to improve maternal and child health, the Governor committed N500 million in counterpart funding to UNICEF for nutrition initiatives. Furthermore, during the flag-off of the second Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week, he announced an additional N170 million to renovate and upgrade malnutrition treatment and referral centres.

These funds, alongside other initiatives such as the provision of essential healthcare services during MNCH Week, are part of the Governor’s broader strategy to combat child killer diseases and improve access to life-saving healthcare services.

In addition, Governor Yusuf’s commitment to improving the health of Kano’s children is also reflected in his efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality, foster sustainable development, and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents.

This continued investment in the health sector highlights the state government’s dedication to addressing critical health challenges and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

Beyond infrastructure and immediate healthcare services, Governor Yusuf’s administration has launched the Abba Care Initiative, a free health insurance program aimed at over 300,000 vulnerable residents, including pregnant women, the elderly, and people living with sickle cell anaemia.

This bold program is a key component of his effort to achieve universal healthcare coverage and make quality health services available to all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status. In this regard, the Abba Care Initiative, backed by the Kano State Contributory Health Management Agency, represents a transformative step towards creating a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for the people of Kano.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s quiet yet powerful leadership is remaking the health landscape of Kano.

His administration’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access for the state’s most vulnerable populations underscores a deep understanding of what it means to govern with compassion, vision and urgency.

Notably, the Governor’s efforts in addressing health issues such as immunization, sickle cell anaemia, malnutrition, and maternal and child health not only respond to immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future for all residents of Kano State. His legacy of service to the people, with a focus on healthcare, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact for generations to come.

Governor Yusuf’s work represents more than just reforms – it marks a true revolution in the healthcare sector that will resonate across the state, benefiting not just the current generation, but future generations as well. Ultimately, his leadership offers a model of governance that prioritizes the well-being of the people and is poised to transform Kano into a healthier, more equitable society.

#AbbaIsWorking

Ibrahim is with the Triumph and can be reached at Hussainiibrahim470@gmail.com

By Usman Muhammad Salihu,

The Harmattan season, marked by cold temperatures, dry air, and dusty winds, is a distinctive weather phenomenon in Nigeria. It brings relief from the relentless heat of the dry season but comes with challenges that affect health, agriculture, transportation, and the economy. This fascinating yet demanding season requires careful management to minimise its effects on individuals and communities.

Health Woes in Harmattan

Harmattan has a significant impact on public health. The dusty winds carry fine particles that irritate the respiratory system, causing a surge in asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory ailments. Those with pre-existing conditions often experience aggravated symptoms, with children and the elderly being the most vulnerable.

Cold temperatures exacerbate the situation, aggravating conditions such as arthritis and causing widespread skin dryness, flaking, and cracking. Chapped lips and eye irritation are common, while the prevalence of colds, flu, and other viral infections increases as the body struggles to adjust to sudden temperature drops.

To address these health challenges, individuals are advised to:

Dress warmly, especially during the mornings and evenings.

Wear protective masks to minimise exposure to dust-laden air.

Moisturise regularly and stay hydrated to maintain skin health.

Health facilities should prepare adequately, stock essential medications, and run public education campaigns to help people stay safe.

Transportation in Crisis

Harmattan haze, thick with dust, reduces visibility and disrupts transportation. It increases the risk of road accidents and causes delays or cancellations of air travel. These disruptions have far-reaching economic implications, hindering logistics, delaying goods, and frustrating travellers and businesses.

Agriculture and Environmental Risks

For farmers, Harmattan is both a blessing and a curse. While the dry conditions benefit certain crops, they also heighten the risk of bushfires, which can devastate farmlands and forests and worsen food security concerns.

To mitigate these risks:

Farmers should adopt sustainable practices, such as cultivating cold-resistant crops and implementing irrigation systems.

Communities must engage in bushfire prevention by practising responsible land clearing and safely disposing of flammable materials.

Economic Pressures

The economic burden of Harmattan is heaviest on low-income households. The increased demand for warm clothing, blankets, and heating appliances often leads to price hikes. Due to the harsh weather, outdoor workers, such as farmers and street vendors, experience reduced productivity, which impacts their earnings.

To alleviate these challenges, governments and non-governmental organisations can:

Provide subsidised or free warm clothing and healthcare services.

Launch public awareness campaigns to educate people about coping strategies.

Navigating Harmattan’s Challenges

Harmattan is a paradoxical season of relief and struggle—a vivid reminder of nature’s duality. Its challenges across health, transportation, agriculture, and the economy demand resilience and adaptability. With proactive planning, community support, and individual vigilance, Nigerians can turn this season into an opportunity to strengthen preparedness for future seasonal changes.

Usman Muhammad Salihu is a fellow of PRNigeria. He sent this article via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Isah Zng

Sleeping is essential to the human body. It helps the body function well in the office, school, and daily activities. That’s why experts in health care emphasise that people should get at least six to seven hours of sleep daily.

Sleep improves physical health, helping humans build bones and muscles and strengthen the immune system. Although it decreases the lifespan of healthy adults, it also helps children grow up with the utmost energy.  

Therefore, sleeping enhances cognitive function. It plays a crucial role in brain function and development, helping the brain process information and get enough rest to function well. Consequently, a lack of sleep can impact cognitive function, leading to difficulties reading, understanding, or making good decisions. 

Furthermore, enough sleep helps the human body have a stronger immune system, which produces cytokines that fight infections and inflammation. Because of these cytokines, people who sleep well have fewer diseases. Therefore, chronic sleep deprivation can weaken a human’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. 

Sleep improves memory, and the human body protects the body from minor diseases and helps people perform well in the office, school, and other activities. 

Muhammad Isah Zng wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has published its latest updates, featuring a collection of 20 words and phrases from Nigeria, Dr Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a consultant on Nigerian English for the OED, announced.

The Daily Reality can confirm that the dictionary has defined the words and phrases. However, while the majority of them (agbero, eba, japa, suya, etc.) were first published in December 2024, others (edo, kanuri, kobo, and yarn) were only updated with new meanings.

Dr Ugwuanyi, who played a significant role in the update, revealed that, in addition to drafting most of the words, he also provided their pronunciations. “When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my voice bringing these words to life,” he shared in a celebratory post on LinkedIn.

The newly added words reflect diverse aspects of Nigerian life, from everyday slang to cultural expressions. The list includes:

1. 419

2. abi

3. adire

4. agbero

5. area boy

6. cross-carpet

7. cross-carpeting

8. eba

9. Edo

10. gele

11. jand (noun, verb)

12. janded (adjective)

13. japa (noun, verb)

14. Kanuri

15. kobo

16. Naija

17. suya

18. yahoo

19. yahoo boy

20. yarn dust

Dr Ugwuanyi thanked Danica Salazar, the OED’s World Englishes editor, and the entire editorial team and encouraged Nigerians to share their favourite words from the list and suggest new ones for future updates.

Recall that the dictionary added 29 Nigerian words and phrases in 2020, and CNN reported that those were in addition to the at least 57 others already in the dictionary.

The Daily Reality is still compiling the definitions of the latest additions for easier access.

By Musab Isah Mafara, PhD

As you regularly use social media, it’s important to understand that many individuals post misguided or controversial opinions, images, and videos with specific intentions. They seek attention and engagement, aiming to drive traffic and, subsequently, revenue to their profiles.

Social media monetisation has become an attainable goal for all. In pursuing fame and financial gain, some users compromise their dignity and reputation–assuming these were valued in the first place–by posting provocative content meant to ignite heated debates.

For example, people might post movie reviews/clip without captions, prompting viewers to ask for the movie’s name, thereby increasing comment counts. Others might upload videos criticizing a religious group, knowing it will provoke members of that group to share the video, thus boosting its reach and view count. The opposition might watch to refute these criticisms, further amplifying the content.

And then you have the annoying ones who share harmful content they claim not to agree with, under the guise of correcting misinformation. You also have celebrities and influencers who post videos of themselves doing or saying things specifically designed to get people talking about them.

Unfortunately, even some ‘Shaikhs’–or their handlers–have been drawn into this trend of attention-seeking posts aimed at drawing crowds and potentially monetising in the long run. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with scholars monetising their social media presence–indeed, it could offer financial independence and protection from undue influence by sects, benefactors, or governments–they must tread carefully.

Managing a page, especially if done personally by an Islamic scholar, poses the risk of succumbing to vanity or showmanship. Although only Allah truly knows one’s intentions, people can sometimes infer motives from the content of posts, which might damage a scholar’s credibility among followers or, worse, lead to ‘Riya‘ (showing off for praise). May Allah guide our intentions to be sincere and protect us from ‘Riya‘.

There is nothing wrong with using social media to gain followers and earn from what you share on your profile, but the content should align with what is permissible (halal). Although halal content might not ‘sell’ well online, as Muslims, we cannot justify the means by the ends and post whatever we like just to make it.

Focus on sharing religious teachings, educational materials, skills, recipes, analysis of issues, and any useful knowledge relevant to people’s daily lives. Share what will benefit people in their everyday interactions or what will bring them closer to Allah. Your actions could lead to one of these outcomes:

1. A reward from Allah alone.

2. Financial rewards from platforms like Facebook, TikTok, or others.

3. Both a reward from Allah and financial compensation.

4. Neither a reward nor financial benefit, if the intention is not right and you couldn’t meet the requirements of the platform, but likely no sin incurred.

However, if you promote impermissible (haram) content, you must understand the consequences. You’ll be accountable for the sin not just for yourself but for everyone who encounters that content through you, directly or indirectly, until the end of time. The Prophet (SAW) said:

ومن سنَّ في الإسلام سنَّة سيئة فعليه وزرها ووزر من عمل بها من بعده من غير أن ينقص من أوزارهم شيء

“And whoever introduces a bad practice in Islam that is followed after him, there is upon him the sin of it and the sin of those who act upon it after him, without that diminishing their sins in any way.”

Don’t be a means to a sinful act.

Furthermore, even if you’re not directly sharing harmful content, you can help reduce its spread by not engaging with it. Unfollow pages that offer nothing but this kind of material. When necessary, address issues on your own wall without linking back to the harmful content or commenting on the page where it was posted. Additionally, hide or unfollow accounts that thrive on harmful materials. Often, it only takes a click of the 3 dots against a post and choosing ‘Not Interested.’

By Khadijat Ogido 

Maintaining good health is essential for students every day. Well-being is a holistic journey that integrates physical, mental, and emotional health. Mental health is a cornerstone of well-being, though many students overlook it.

Mental health problems can affect a student’s energy level, concentration, dependability, cognitive ability, and optimism, which hinder their performance. Students consider symptoms like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychotics, and mood swings as everyday experiences which often lead to mental illness.

According to mental health research conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in four students has a diagnosable mental illness. “A lot of pressure from parents, stress from exams, the pressure of getting good grades in university. These aspects destroy the inner peace of students”.

In a world where stress and fast-paced demands are commonplace, prioritising self-care and balanced living can significantly impact health and happiness. However, the case is often different for most students. 

The stress of pursuing academic excellence sometimes leads to neglect of health. To pass their exams, most students stay up late, reading for more than 16 hours a day, and some do not properly care for their diet, which has resulted in mental, physical, and psychological problems.

Mental health is vital at every stage of life, from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. There are several causes of mental health illness in students, such as depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, etc. Most students on campus experience some of these problems but always downplay them as usual.

Amina Abubakar, a 300L architectural student at Bayero University Kano (BUK), narrated her experience of how school activities have challenged and affected her mentally. She said, “Being a student is difficult because I must attend lectures, do tests, assignments, and presentations. Most of the time, I have a serious headache if I return from school. The headache lasts for more than two days, and I won’t be able to eat or sleep.”

Similarly, Maryam Jibrin, a student in the economics department, lamented about the price of being a student. She said, “Being a student, trying to get good grades, maintaining social relationships and trying to cope with the current hardship is on another level because it’s affecting most students in many ways. At times, students feel depressed and stressed out. Some students will even lock themself inside and don’t want to talk to anybody, and when u ask them what is wrong with them, they will say they are fine”.

Consequently, mental health issues among students have a significant effect on their academic performance. Social relationships, behavioural issues, physical health, lack of concentration, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), and other problems might affect students physically, mentally, and psychologically. 

Matt Haig, an English author and journalist, said, “Mental health problems don’t define who you are; they are something we experience. You walk in the rain and feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” Therefore, students who experience any symptoms of mental issues should not panic. They should always seek advice and help or talk to someone, not keep things to themselves.

In conclusion, since students must overcome academic stress to pass, the university authority should help create an environment that will enable students to study by building a counselling hall for students to go to when they feel depressed. Also, family and friends should not leave their loved ones alone without checking up on them, which might make them feel alienated. 

Students should engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation, eat on time, take a break, give themselves time to rest, exercise, and be healthy. Health is wealth. Don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it. Your mental health matters, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Khadijat Ogido wrote via ogidokhadijat82@gmail.com.