How to handle exam stress on Nigerian campuses

Your heart beats faster as you walk past the notice board and see the venue for your morning paper. Power outages happen just as you prepare to read your notes. You feel your chest tighten because the syllabus is still wide. This panic is normal when tests draw near.

Preparing Before the Papers Start

Start by making a realistic timetable for the days left. Pick two topics per course instead of trying to read everything twice. Close your books by ten at night so your brain can settle.

• Eat proper meals instead of relying only on strong coffee or energy drinks.
• Keep your study materials organised to check how topics are usually structured.
• Walk around your building for ten minutes to clear your head.

Surviving the Exam Hall

When the supervisor drops the question paper on your desk, do not rush to write immediately. Take two slow breaths and read through all the questions first. Answer the one you know best to build confidence.

Do not listen to classmates arguing about answers outside the hall right before the test. They will only confuse you more. Hand in your script when time is up and walk away.

Knowing When to Talk to Someone

Sometimes the worry becomes too heavy to carry alone. You might find yourself unable to sleep for days or feeling overwhelmed. Talk to a trusted older student, a mentor, or a professional counsellor.