Poor Diet and Malnutrition Among Students: Causes and Effects

By: Emmanuel Adebiyi 

Have you ever paused to think about how your diet has been over the past few days? Campus life is so fast-paced that we rarely take a moment to reflect on the things that truly matter. Very few students pay attention to their health until they fall seriously ill—and then, they post the cliché “Health is Wealth” on their WhatsApp status. Many hardly think about what they eat, even though diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. You might be shocked to learn that most students have snacked more often than they’ve eaten an actual meal in recent days—and that’s a recipe for malnutrition.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), malnutrition refers to deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalances of essential nutrients, or impaired nutrient utilisation. It exists in two forms: undernutrition and overnutrition (obesity or being overweight). In this part of the world, however, undernutrition remains the more pressing problem.

Nigeria faces a serious malnutrition crisis. We see malnourished children on our streets daily, and the statistics are just as alarming. According to the 2024 Report on Food Security and Nutrition, 39.4 million Nigerians were undernourished in 2023, while 49.4 million were severely food insecure during the same period. The 2020 Nigerian Protein Deficiency Report identified poverty and the high cost of protein-rich foods as major causes of protein deficiency, noting that nearly half of Nigeria’s population fails to meet their daily protein requirement.

Bringing the issue closer to home, the average university student’s diet consists mostly of snacks and carbonated drinks. These are convenient and easily accessible, but they lack essential nutrients. When consumed habitually—as is the case for many students—they lead to malnutrition.

Students, of course, have their reasons. “Who has time to cook when I have classes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.?” they argue. The demanding academic schedule often leaves little room for proper meal planning. Snacks are readily available on every corner of campus, making them the go-to option. Financial constraints also play a huge role. Healthy food options are often more expensive than processed snacks or fast food, so students naturally gravitate toward cheaper, quicker alternatives. Even when they choose to eat at cafeterias, those establishments often prioritise profit over nutritional value. Clearly, the situation is not straightforward. But if we truly believe that health is wealth, then we must find ways to change it.

The first step toward overcoming poor nutrition is intentionality—a conscious decision to take control of what you eat. This starts with preparing your own meals. It may sound like a daunting task, but setting aside an hour or two on weekends to chop vegetables and cook a large batch of stew can save time during the week. Aim to eat at least three balanced meals a day, including staples like rice, beans, and potatoes. Avoid skipping meals, no matter how busy your schedule is. Cut down on carbonated drinks and opt for water or tea instead.

Malnutrition has serious consequences for students. Poor nutrition doesn’t just affect the body; it also affects the mind. It can reduce concentration, impair learning, and weaken the immune system—making one more susceptible to illness. Falling sick as a student can be disastrous, especially in an academic environment where everything moves quickly and catching up is hard.

Malnutrition, therefore, is not a passive problem—it’s an active enemy. And like every enemy, it must be fought deliberately, one healthy meal at a time.

Deodorants, Perfumes, and Body Sprays

By Adebeshin Idris Olamilekan

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It was a hot Wednesday afternoon, and Kunle, a 200-level student, rushed into a lecture. His shirt clung to his back, the result of a sprinted walk from Zik Hall. Upon taking his seat, the  pungent smell that pervaded the room was unprecedented . Some students around him shifted uneasily. It was later that evening that Kunle admitted before a friend: "I did not have time to bathe, so I used just body spray."

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Kunle's story is not unique. For many undergrads, body sprays, perfumes, and deodorants are fixtures in their everyday lives, which is why some do not actually care about their own natural odour. But how students use these products, and the ways in which they use them, reveal a lot about hygiene culture, peer influence, and even medical risks among University of Ibadan students.

To most Zikites, air fresheners and deodorants are life-savers. Hostels can be stuffy, lectures prolonged, and the sun can merciless. A quick roll-on or spray is the difference between confidence and shame. Deodorants, typically antibacterial, work to reduce sweat smell by targeting bacteria. Body sprays and perfumes, on the other hand, essentially mask smells with pleasant fragrances. They provide social confidence in combination, such that students can socialise freely in lecture theatres, religious gatherings, or parties. "I feel naked without spraying something before going out," one student admitted.

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The psychological pick-me-up is equally vital. Research has indicated that good smells can boost confidence and influence people's perception of us. For many students who are getting ready for presentations, dates, or debates, fragrance is as vital as looking neat and confident.

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But also with the use of fragrance by students comes a challenge in its wake. The first is excessive dependence when there is poor hygiene.Kunle, like any other student, utilises body spray as a substitute for bathing. Although sprays might mask odour for the moment, they will never replace water and soap in clearing sweat, grime, and bacteria. As the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has repeatedly emphasised, proper hygiene begins with regular bathing and clean clothing, not with sprays (NMA, 2025).

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Overuse is also a problem. Lecture halls inside or hostel rooms become a nightmare within seconds with a few students spraying too much. The National Institute of Health informs that perfumes and sprays, if used in excess, can irritate the respiratory tract and trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is not only a matter of etiquette but also health.

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And there is also the issue of unregistered products. Nigerian stores are saturated with affordable, unlabelled perfumes and repackaged oils. NAFDAC has issued a number of public alerts and deodorant and body spray recalls with poisonous chemicals or without proper registration numbers (NAFDAC, 2024). Students buying from street vendors may unknowingly expose themselves to skin irritations or toxic chemicals.

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The answer is not to discontinue the use of deodorants or sprays but to utilise them responsibly.

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1. Always inspect for NAFDAC registration numbers prior to purchase. This guarantees that the product has cleared minimum safety examinations.

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2. Utilise sprays in moderation; more does not equate to better.

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3. Never replace sprays with bathing. Everyday hygiene using soap and water is the key to freshness.

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4. Refrain from sharing roll-ons or sticks, as this can transfer bacteria.

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5. Buy from authorised stores, not street stalls or roadside vendors.

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Zik Hall is not just a hostel; it is a community built on camaraderie, and identity. How Zikites conduct themselves is a part of that collective pride known as Zikism. To smell nice is not only for personal comfort; it affects roommates, classmates, and the rest of the individuals one encounters in the course of each day.

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Kunle has learnt better, though. He now jokingly remarks that "spray without bath is like perfume on a dirty rag — it fools no one." To Zikites, smelling good isn't just about it; it is living well with hygiene, moderation, and safety at the centre.

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PROSTATE CANCER: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Emmanuel Adebiyi 

June 11th is the day set aside to celebrate World Prostate Cancer Day in order to create awareness of the most common type of cancer in men. Prostate cancer is often called a “silent threat” due to its subtle early symptoms. Follow me as we shed more light on the silent killer.

WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER?

Prostate cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ in men that produces seminal fluid. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is the 4th most common cancer in the world, just behind. In Nigeria, the National Institute of Health (NIH) notes it as the most common cancer among men, with rising incidence due to limited screening. In 2022, the WCRF reported approximately 1.4 million new cases of prostate cancer worldwide.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer’s early symptoms are vague and can easily be dismissed by the affected; that is why calling it a silent killer isn't far-fetched. Many men who dismiss the signs delay diagnosis, and a cancer's lethality increases with delayed diagnosis. Common symptoms include difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine flow, or frequent urination (especially at night). Blood in urine or semen, pelvic discomfort or pain, erectile dysfunction, bone pain (in advanced stages, if cancer spreads to bones), and fatigue or unexplained weight loss. For early detection, it is important to recognise persistent symptoms. When any of these symptoms last more than 2–3 weeks, it may be a pointer.

TYPES OF PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer primarily arises from specific cell types in the prostate:

ADENOCARCINOMA: The most common type, originating in gland cells that produce prostate fluid. Subtypes include acinar and ductal adenocarcinoma, with acinar being the most prevalent.

SMALL CELL CARCINOMA: A rare, aggressive form that grows quickly and is harder to treat.

TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA: Arises from the urethra’s lining and is less common.

NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOURS: Rare tumours from hormone-producing cells, often aggressive. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, but aggressive forms require urgent intervention. Early detection through PSA testing often catches adenocarcinomas before they spread.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

While the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, several risk factors increase a man’s likelihood of developing it.

AGE: Age is one risk factor that rises significantly after age 50, with most cases diagnosed in men over 65.

FAMILY HISTORY: Like many other diseases, family history and genetics are also risk factors. About 5–10% of cases are hereditary. Men with a family history of prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer face higher risks.

RACE/ETHNICITY: African and African-American men have a 60% higher risk than Caucasian men and worse outcomes, partly due to socioeconomic factors.

DIET/HORMONES: Diets high in red meat or dairy and low in vegetables may increase risk. Obesity and smoking are also linked. High levels of testosterone or other androgens may fuel cancer growth.

STAGES OF PROSTATE CANCER 

Staging helps determine the cancer’s spread and guides treatment:

Localised: Cancer is confined to the prostate (Stage I–II). Most treatable, with excellent outcomes.

Regional: Cancer spreads to nearby tissues, like seminal vesicles (Stage III).

Distant: Cancer reaches distant organs, such as bones, lungs, or liver (Stage IV), requiring aggressive treatment.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage, grade, and patient health. Options include

ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE: Monitoring slow-growing cancers with regular PSA tests and biopsies, suitable for low-risk cases.

SURGERY: Radical prostatectomy removes the prostate and surrounding tissues, often for localised cancer.

RADIATION THERAPY: External beam or brachytherapy targets cancer cells and is used for localised or regional stages.

HORMONE THERAPY: Reduces testosterone levels to slow cancer growth, common in advanced cases.

CHEMOTHERAPY: Used for metastatic cancer, often combined with hormone therapy.

IMMUNOTHERAPY AND TARGETED THERAPY: Emerging treatments, like sipuleucel-T, boost the immune system or target specific cancer cells.

BIOTHERAPY: Drugs like checkpoint inhibitors enhance immune response, showing promise in clinical trials. According to the National Cancer Institute, the 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer is 97.5% overall but drops to 32% for metastatic cases, underscoring the need for early detection.

Prevention: No guaranteed way exists to prevent prostate cancer, but risk can be reduced through a healthy diet (emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red meat and processed foods), regular exercise, and quitting smoking. Prostate cancer may be a “silent threat”, but its impact on men’s lives is very loud. The vague symptoms demand vigilance, and men must know their bodies and seek screenings at the slightest change.

The Healing Power of Tea

Image Credit:  Zadorozhnyi Viktor/Shutterstock

Emmanuel Adebiyi 

Tea has stood the test of time, from 2737 BC in China till now; it is the second most consumed beverage globally, only after water...Not many substances have the ability to warm cups and hearts like tea has done for centuries. The story of tea is believed to begin in China. 

According to legend, in 2737 BC, a Chinese emperor, Shen Nung, was sitting under the tree when his servant boiled drinking water and some leaves. The leaves blew into the water band. Since then, tea has been a part of our lives. Tea is revered in traditional medicine as it contains active ingredients made from various plants to address a range of ailments.

 Chamomile tea is known to aid sleep and support immunity, peppermint tea is associated with promoting healthy digestion, and green tea with managing diabetes, to mention but a few. For modern medicine, research is very important, and a lot of research has been on how tea actually benefits the body in recent times.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: A 2020 study published in the National Library of Science found that for every cup of tea a person consumed daily, there was a 4% lower risk of death from heart disease, a 2% lower risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events, a 4% lower risk of stroke and a 1.5% lower risk of death from all causes. So while you may want to exercise and take other steps to improve your cardiovascular health, you might want to look into incorporating black or green tea into your diet.

MENTAL HEALTH: Tea has a lot to offer, and helping your mental health isn’t out of it. Tea’s blend of L-theanine and caffeine creates a unique mental boost. L-theanine is known for its potential to promote relaxation and cognitive enhancement, and caffeine in the right amount can improve alertness. Research also shows that green tea is linked with a 64% lower chance of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and older adults. Even without its content, the act of making and drinking tea can help calm you down—mind and body. So when you’re tackling a busy day after classes, a cup of tea would be a mindful addition.

IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: Tea usually contains antiviral and antibacterial constituents, which may strengthen immunity by reducing infection risk. Studies indicate that EGCG, a compound found in green tea, impacts the function of T cells significantly. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and prevents autoimmune diseases by modulating immune cells. Black teas are also not left out, as their theaflavins also support immune responses.

 Drinking tea regularly definitely complements a healthy lifestyle.Tea has stood the test of time, from 2737 BC in China till now; it is the second most consumed beverage globally, only after water.

 Grab a cup of tea today.

UHS ISSUES HEALTH ADVISORY ON EGG DONATION

Emmanuel Adebiyi 

The University Health Service, University of Ibadan, has issued a health advisory on egg donation by students. 

In an internal memorandum released on Tuesday, the 15th of April, 2025, and signed by Dr. Aderonke B., the director of health services. It acknowledged that there is a growing trend involving the participation or recruitment of female students as egg donors for in vitro fertilization. 

The memo also highlighted the health implications of egg donation, which include bloating, psychological distress, infection, and bleeding, among other things. It stated that long-term effects of egg donation reported by some egg donors include loss of fertility. 

Students are advised not to donate more than three times a year, to choose reputable clinics that prioritize donor safety, and to seek professional medical advice before considering egg donation.