The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) has taken significant steps to support students’ mental health during the stressful exam season through comprehensive counseling, awareness campaigns, and collaborative programs aimed at promoting psychological well-being.
Comprehensive Counseling Services
FUTO’s Career and Counselling Unit plays a central role in supporting students’ mental health. It provides essential guidance and counseling services focused on helping students manage academic pressures and personal challenges. The unit offers individual and group counseling sessions that help students understand and cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues that may arise during exams. It also adopts preventive strategies to manage disruptive behaviors and promote emotional stability among students.
The Counseling Unit works closely with the university’s health services and teaching hospital to ensure students have access to both psychological and medical support. This integrated approach helps address mental health comprehensively, ensuring students receive timely interventions when needed.
Mental Health Awareness and Outreach
FUTO actively promotes mental health awareness through partnerships with organizations such as the Arogi Trauma Care Foundation and Zero Depression. These collaborations have led to outreach campaigns on campus, including mental health awareness walks and distribution of educational materials that inform students about symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Such initiatives encourage students to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help when necessary, thereby reducing stigma around mental health issues.
Additionally, student groups like STAN FUTO organize events to spread warmth and raise mental health awareness within the university community, helping to break barriers and foster a supportive environment.
Practical Support Strategies During Exams
Beyond counseling and awareness, FUTO encourages practical strategies to help students manage exam stress effectively. These include:
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Structured Study Plans:Â Encouraging students to create realistic and manageable study schedules to avoid last-minute cramming and reduce anxiety.
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Physical Activity:Â Promoting movement and exercise as a way to relieve stress and boost cognitive function.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation:Â Teaching mindfulness techniques and relaxation exercises to help students stay focused and calm.
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Sleep and Nutrition:Â Emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep and balanced nutrition to maintain mental and physical health during exams.
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Social Support: Encouraging students to talk to friends, family, or counselors to share their feelings and reduce isolation.
Orientation and Life Skills Training
FUTO also supports students through orientation programs and life skills training. Newly admitted students receive onboarding sessions that include guidance on managing academic and social pressures. The university, in partnership with the Africa Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems (ACE-FUELS), offers leadership and soft skills training through the ACE Leadership Academy. This prepares students not only for academic success but also for the transition to the workplace or further studies, which can alleviate anxiety related to future uncertainties.
Accessible Mental Health Resources
The Counseling Unit is conveniently located within the Students Affairs office, with school-level counseling offices to ensure accessibility. Students can confidentially seek help for personal, social, or academic issues affecting their mental health. The unit’s commitment to pre-emptive and preventive care helps identify and manage mental health challenges early, especially during high-stress periods like exam season.
Conclusion
FUTO’s multifaceted approach to supporting students’ mental health during exam season combines professional counseling, awareness campaigns, practical stress management strategies, and life skills training. By fostering a supportive environment and providing accessible resources, FUTO helps students navigate the pressures of exams while maintaining their psychological well-being. These efforts not only improve academic performance but also contribute to the overall development and resilience of students.
This comprehensive support system at FUTO exemplifies a proactive model in higher education for addressing student mental health challenges during critical academic periods.
