Abraka Metro
Self-Medication Among University Students Raises Health Concerns As Experts Warn Against Drug Misuse
By Isabella Awana
Self-medication is becoming increasingly common among university students, with health professionals warning that the growing practice poses a serious threat to public health. Across many Nigerian tertiary institutions, students are treating illnesses such as malaria, headaches, coughs, and stomach pain without seeking professional medical advice. Medical experts say the trend, driven by financial challenges, academic pressure, and easy access to drugs, is contributing to drug resistance, delayed diagnosis of diseases, and avoidable health complications.
Speaking in an interview, Dr. Denedo, a medical practitioner, described self-medication as one of the most dangerous habits among young people. He explained that many students wrongly assume they can diagnose and treat themselves simply because they have experienced similar symptoms in the past.
According to Dr. Denedo, symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and body pain may indicate different illnesses that require proper medical examination before treatment.
“Many students believe that because they have had malaria before, every fever they experience must be malaria. That is a dangerous assumption. Proper diagnosis is essential because similar symptoms may point to different health conditions,” he said.
Dr. Denedo warned that taking medicines without medical supervision often masks the real cause of an illness, making treatment more difficult and increasing the risk of severe complications.
He further expressed concern over the widespread misuse of antibiotics among young people.
“Antibiotics should never be taken without a doctor’s prescription. Their misuse contributes to antimicrobial resistance, making infections increasingly difficult and expensive to treat. This is becoming a major public health concern,” he added.
Findings gathered from students around a university community showed that many undergraduates prefer buying medicines directly from pharmacies and patent medicine stores instead of visiting healthcare facilities.
Several students attributed the practice to long waiting hours at clinics, the cost of medical consultation, and pressure from academic activities.
Rebecca, a 100-level student, admitted that she sometimes buys medication without seeing a doctor whenever she experiences symptoms she believes are related to malaria.
“Sometimes I have lectures throughout the day, and I cannot afford to spend several hours at the clinic. I usually visit a pharmacy and describe how I feel before buying medicine. It saves time, although I now understand there may be risks,” she said.
Another 100-level student, Wealth, shared a similar experience, explaining that financial difficulties influence the decisions many students make regarding their health.
“Most students don’t have enough money for medical consultations. We often depend on recommendations from friends or pharmacists because it seems cheaper than going to the hospital,” Wealth said.
Health experts, however, insist that convenience should never replace professional medical care.
Dr. Denedo noted that while some illnesses may appear minor, self-treatment without proper diagnosis can delay the discovery of serious medical conditions.
“Persistent headaches could indicate hypertension or neurological problems, while repeated stomach pain may be a sign of ulcers or other gastrointestinal diseases. Treating symptoms without identifying the actual cause can place patients at greater risk,” he explained.
The medical practitioner also expressed concern over the growing influence of social media, where many people obtain health advice from unverified sources.
According to Dr. Denedo, misleading online information has encouraged many young people to experiment with herbal mixtures, supplements, and prescription medicines without understanding their possible side effects.
“Not every health tip circulating online is accurate. Students should always verify medical information through qualified healthcare professionals instead of relying on social media posts or advice from friends,” he advised.
In addition, Dr. Denedo warned against sharing prescription medicines among students.
He explained that medicines prescribed for one individual may not be suitable for another because treatment depends on several factors, including age, body weight, allergies, medical history, and the severity of the illness.
According to him, excessive use of painkillers may damage the kidneys, liver, and stomach, while the indiscriminate use of antibiotics continues to increase antimicrobial resistance across the country.
Some students who spoke on the issue admitted they had experienced negative effects after treating themselves.
A final-year student, Esther Oghenekaro, said attending a health awareness programme completely changed her attitude towards self-medication.
“I realised that not every fever is malaria. Sometimes what we think is a minor illness may actually require proper medical attention. Since then, I have made it a habit to visit the clinic whenever I feel seriously unwell,” she said.
Dr. Denedo stressed that universities have an important responsibility to educate students on responsible healthcare practices.
He recommended regular health awareness campaigns, medical outreach programmes, and easier access to affordable healthcare services within university campuses.
According to him, reducing waiting time at health centres and ensuring adequate medical personnel would encourage more students to seek professional medical care instead of relying on self-medication.
He also urged community pharmacies and patent medicine vendors to educate customers on the dangers of drug misuse rather than dispensing medicines indiscriminately.
Public health experts believe that addressing self-medication requires collaboration among educational institutions, healthcare providers, regulatory agencies, and students themselves.
They maintain that while medicines remain essential in treating diseases, they should only be used responsibly and under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals.
Dr. Denedo further advised students to maintain healthy lifestyles by eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, observing good personal hygiene, getting adequate rest, and seeking medical attention whenever symptoms persist.
He noted that prevention remains one of the most effective ways to reduce illness and unnecessary dependence on medication.
As the rate of self-medication continues to rise among university students, healthcare professionals are calling for urgent action to reverse the trend before it develops into a more serious public health crisis.
They argue that increasing awareness, strengthening campus healthcare services, and encouraging students to seek professional medical advice will significantly reduce avoidable illnesses, prevent drug resistance, and improve the overall well-being of young people.
Experts conclude that while self-medication may appear to offer a quick and inexpensive solution, proper diagnosis and treatment by qualified healthcare professionals remain the safest and most effective approach to protecting lives and promoting a healthier society.
A former Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Victor Peretomode, has proposed a tripartite governance model to sustain excellence in the institution.
Peretomode proposed the model at DELSU’s 12th valedictory lecture held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the university’s 750 Lecture Theatre, Site III.
The lecture was titled, “DELSU and the Burden of Expectation: The Challenges of Being Delta State’s Premier University and Rethinking Governance for Sustainable Excellence.”
He said as the state’s premier university, DELSU carries triple burdens — aspirational, political and operational — which translate into expectations such as expanding access to university education for Deltans, accommodating qualified indigenes, advancing state-specific development priorities and producing morally sound and employable graduates.
READ ALSO: DELSU Exam Monitors Apprehend Student With Allegedly Stolen Phones, Wig
Peretomode, a Professor of Educational Administration and Higher Education, said the challenges could be addressed through his proposed “Peretomode Tripartite Model of Governance for Sustainable Excellence,” anchored on three pillars: Leadership Integrity, Funding Predictability and Quality Assurance.
He observed that DELSU has come far, but its journey is far from complete, adding that the burden of expectation it carries is not a weight to be feared, but a responsibility to be fulfilled.
In his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Visitor to the university, described Peretomode as an academic who contributed immensely to the development of university education in the state.
Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said the state would still need Peretomode’s wealth of experience as he bows out of service and assured of continued support for DELSU.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lauded Peretomode’s achievements as former VC, noting that his policies, though considered harsh at the time, have placed the university in its present enviable state.
Asagba wished the valedictory lecturer the best in his future endeavours.
Highlights of the event included the launch of two books authored by the valedictory lecturer and a musical rendition by the Department of Music.
Peretomode joined DELSU in 1992 as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Management and Foundations, became a Professor in 1996 and served as its 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor from 2014 to 2019.
The lecture was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Eric Eboh, Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, DELSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Hilary Owamah, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Douglasson Omotor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Patrick Ijeh, Provost of Oleh Campus, Prof. Augustine Atonuje, DELSU Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, DELSU Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, DELSU Librarian, Dr Josephine Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university.
Also in attendance were the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector, Delta State Marine Polytechnic, Burutu, Prof. Emmanuel Okoro, Delta business tycoon, Chief Tunde Smooth, Executive Director of Project, DESOPADEC, Chief (Dr) Ebenezer Okorodudu, former DELSU Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former Dennis Osadebey University Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Robert Ikomi, members of DELSU College of Chaplains, friends and family members of the valedictory lecturer, including his wife, Dr (Mrs) Otaroghene Peretomode.
The release comes barely 24 hours after the state-owned institution released its first batch of admission for the incoming session.
By Ese Umukoro
The serene community of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka was thrown into mourning on Friday, 28th August, 2026, as the remains of Late Prof. Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, popularly known as, Don Spino, was committed to mother earth.
Speaking during the commendation service at Atscan Hall, Site II of the University, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lamented that he received the sad news of the demise of the deceased on 8th of May, 2026 as a rude shock.
Asagba recalled the personal memories he shared with Akarah as a friend, eulogising his forthrightness, outspokenness and doggedness.
He stated that Don Spino contributed his quota to the growth of the University in different capacities since he was employed into the services of DELSU, adding that his legacy would not be forgotten in the history of DELSU because of his impact on both staff and students.
The Vice Chancellor thereafter led the University community to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.
READ ALSO: Students Adjust To Portal Upgrade Under DELSU VC Administration
In his commendation earlier, the Head of Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, Prof. Ochuko Nabofa, eulogised Don Spino, calling him a colleague, a friend, a scholarly collaborator and ultimately an in-law.
Nabofa recollected how himself and the late Don Spino shared ideas, challenged each other intellectually and worked together in the pursuit of knowledge.
Nabofa concluded that Don Spino’s death has left a void in the Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, in DELSU and in the lives of those who knew him.
He said the bond was further strengthened when in February this year, Don Spino’s cousin, Hon. (Double Chief) Godday Ewenuvie, got married to his younger sister whom he raised as a daughter, thus making them in-laws.
In her oration, the Dean of Faculty of Education, Prof. Florence Ugorji, said Don Spino was a man of the people whose life impacted positively on all who came across him.
Represented by Prof. Canice Ikeorji, the Dean further lamented that the deceased was an asset to the faculty and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-DELSU), Comrade Paul Opone, bemoaned the loss of Don Spino.
In his tributes, Opone recalled the contributions of Don Spino during congresses and how he fought for the Union during its period of crisis.
The union Chairman stated that the passing of Don Spino was a challenge to him and the Union as it would be difficult to get his replacement.
Opone thereafter led members of the Union in singing the solidarity song for a fallen comrade.
The commendation service also witnessed the filing past the casket of Don Spino led by the Vice Chancellor before the remains of Don Spino were taken to Uruekpo Quarters in Evwreni kingdom for interment.
Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah joined the services of DELSU in 1995 as Graduate Assistant and rose to the rank of Professor in 2021.
Earlier, a Service of Songs in his honour was held at the DELSU’s Sports Complex on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026.
Dignitaries present at the commendation service included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, the University Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, represented by Mr Emmanuel Okoro, the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor, Director of Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations, Prof. Enajite Ojaruega, Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Opone, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, the University Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Eseka, family members of the deceased, Professors, staff, students, and others from within and outside the university community.
Those present during the funeral at Evwreni kingdom included the Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, immediate past Provost of Oleh campus, Prof. Elo Ibagere, Directors including the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CES), Prof. Onoriode Emoyan, Deans of Faculties including the Dean of Arts Faculty, Prof. Nelson Edewor, Heads of Departments, politicians, business moguls, friends, family members of Don Spino and other mourners.
By God’stime Oyeh
An accident involving a GLK 350 and a commercial motorcyclist happened around 11:30 a.m., reportedly after a case of wrong-lane driving.
According to eyewitnesses, the motorcyclist, popularly known as an “Aboki” bikeman, was coming from the Campus 2 area when he was allegedly hit by the GLK 350 car.
The little damage to the car caused some tension at the scene as both parties tried to explain what happened.
Eyewitnesses said the motorcyclist seemed to be at a disadvantage during the confrontation with the car driver- who was clearly trying to oppress the motorcyclist which led vigilantes and other bystanders to step in and calm things down before it got out of hand.
Things reportedly got more heated when some area boys arrived and tried to help settle the issue. The GLK 350 driver defended himself and shared his version of events, but some witnesses felt his explanation didn’t quite match what they saw happen.
As arguments continued and tempers rose,and with the car driver still wanting to oppress the motorcyclist, the Vigilantes took it upon themselves to caution him since he wasn’t trying to make peace…the matter was eventually taken to the police station for proper investigation and resolution.
-
Education2 months agoBreaking: DELSU Postpones Second Semester Examinations. See New Date
-
Education3 months agoDELSU Announces Admission Into New Diploma Programmes For 2026/2027 Academic Session
-
Views Point3 months agoOPINION: Agriculture, Nigeria’s Fading Goldmine
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoExperts Urge Students To Embrace AI With Open Hearts
-
Education2 months agoBreaking: DELSU Bans “Sign Out” Parties, Threatens 2-Semester Rustication For Violators
-
Education3 months ago28-Years-Old Man Swindles JUPEB Students, Diverts N15 Million School Fees
-
Education2 months agoDELSU Begins Postgraduate Admission for 2026/2027 Academic Session
-
Entertainment3 months agoWorld Cup 2026: US-Iran Tensions, Local Travel Hurdles, Global Friction Shape Fan Atmosphere
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoRising Cost Of Living Forces Abraka Students To Adopt Survival Strategies
-
Education2 months agoDELSU Exam Monitors Apprehend Student With Allegedly Stolen Phones, Wig
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoDELSU SUG Tackles Academic Decline with ‘CGPA Recovery Initiative’ for Junior Students
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoRising House Rents Put Pressure on DELSU Students in Abraka
-
Abraka Metro2 months agoElozino Ogege: Lecturers React As Court Sentences Killers Of DELSU First-Class Student To Death
-
Education3 months agoChallenges Persist at DELSU Agricultural Farm Despite Student Training
-
Trending News3 months agoAbraka Residents Advocate Entrepreneurship, Warn Against Gambling Amid Economic Hardship
