By Muyiwa Olaoye
Students in Nigerian schools are facing a daunting daily routine that leaves them with little time for rest, play, and personal activities.
The typical student wakes up before 6:30 am, gets to school by 6:30 am, and returns home by 6:30 pm, only to start lessons with teachers from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
This grueling schedule leaves students with minimal time for assignments, let alone the recommended 7 hours of sleep per day. Sleep deprivation can have severe consequences on students’ cognitive and behavioral functions, including impaired memory recall, metabolism regulation, and increased mental fatigue.
Parents and educators are urged to rethink the current learning approach, which prioritizes stressful lectures over engaging and effective learning methods. The emphasis on rote learning and examination preparation is not only counterproductive but also perpetuates examination malpractices.
The Ministry of Education is called upon to intervene and ensure that schools adopt a more balanced approach to learning, allowing students sufficient time for rest, play, and personal activities. By prioritizing students’ well-being and cognitive development, we can help them reach their full potential and create a brighter future for our nation.
In conclusion, the current educational system needs a paradigm shift to prioritize students’ sleep and overall well-being. By doing so, we can help them become more productive, creative, and successful individuals
