STUDENTS EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES AND THEIR COPING MECHANISMS

By Chimereogo Ukpaka

Education is a fundamental right, but for many students in Nigeria, it is a daunting and overwhelming experience. From financial burdens to academic pressures, students face numerous challenges that can impact their mental health, relationships, and future prospects. To gain insight into these challenges, we spoke to students on campus about their experiences and struggles.

Question: What’s the biggest challenge you face as a student, and how do you cope with it?

“For me, the biggest challenge is balancing academic work and financial responsibilities. I have to work part-time to support my family and pay my tuition fees. Sometimes, I have to choose between attending classes and going to work. It is a difficult decision, but I have to prioritize my family’s needs.”- Ani Ifunnaya, 300 level, Theatre and Film studies.

“I struggle with academic pressures. The curriculum is overwhelming, and the lecturers expect us to perform miracles. Sometimes, I feel like I am drowning in a sea of assignments and exams. It is taking a toll on my mental health.” – Davis Chimezie, 200 level, Soil science.

“My biggest challenge is accessing quality resources. Our library is outdated, and we do not have access to the latest research materials. It is frustrating when you are trying to learn, but you do not have the right tools.” – Chikeluba Benita, 400 level, Library and Information Science.

“For me, it is the lack of support from the university. Sometimes, I feel like I am on my own, navigating the system without any guidance. It is overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with personal issues.” – Ebere Divine, 200 level, Economics.

“My biggest challenge is staying motivated. With all the pressures and stress, it is easy to lose focus and give up. So I remind myself why I started, and I try to stay positive.But I know I am not alone, and that gives me the strength to keep going. I just wish there were more resources available to support students like me.” – Igwe Chimamanda, 300 level, History.

• From the responses, it is obvious that many students to do have strategic management mechanisms on ground to manage these problems they encounter in their studies. Many of them are just simply managing the situation, and enduring it, hoping it would get better someday. This is a call for the university authorities to look into some of this pressing issues and perform the various duties that they are lacking at.