On January 29, 2025, a distressing incident occurred at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) when a student from the Faculty of Education collapsed during a rigorous three-hour examination. The student was promptly attended to and transported to a hospital via ambulance for immediate medical attention.
The event was captured on video and widely shared on the social media platform TikTok, drawing significant attention to the pressures faced by students during examination periods. The video, shared by a fellow student, was accompanied by the caption: “When a 3-hour exam was shortened to 1 hour.” This suggests that the originally scheduled three-hour examination was unexpectedly reduced to one hour, potentially contributing to heightened stress among the examinees.
Eyewitnesses reported that the student fainted just moments before the arrival of the ambulance. The incident has sparked widespread concern and discussions among students and the broader public regarding the intense academic pressures and the importance of adequate health support systems within educational institutions.
In the aftermath of the incident, numerous individuals took to social media platforms to express their reactions and share personal experiences related to academic stress. Comments highlighted issues such as sudden changes in examination durations and the overall demanding nature of university assessments. For instance, one commenter noted, “Na so timetable show 3 hours but exam paper show 50 minutes for 70 questions,” pointing to discrepancies between scheduled and actual exam times.
This incident underscores the critical need for educational institutions to prioritize student well-being, especially during examination periods. Implementing measures such as clear communication regarding exam schedules, providing adequate time for assessments, and offering support services for students experiencing stress can be vital steps in ensuring a healthier academic environment.
Furthermore, this event has ignited broader discussions about the mental and physical health challenges that students face in higher education. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of balancing academic rigor with the well-being of students. Institutions are encouraged to review their examination policies and support systems to prevent such incidents in the future and to foster a supportive environment that promotes both academic excellence and student health.
In conclusion, the collapse of a UNIBEN student during a shortened examination period highlights the pressing need for universities to re-evaluate their assessment practices and support mechanisms. By addressing these concerns, educational institutions can better safeguard the health and success of their students.