By Abdulkadir Sofiullahi
Babatunde Abdulrasheed, a 500-level student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has become a regular customer at the school clinic.
Though he does not have an assignment with the clinic, anyone who visits there regularly would not hesitate to label Abdulrasheed as a staff member in the clinic.
The reason for his frequent visit to the clinic is not unconnected with the venom of mosquitoes that had eaten deep into his body system after he resorted to reading at night.
“I faced some challenges in some courses, this caused me to engage in Till Day Break (TDB) in order to strengthen my study towards the exam,”he said.
“Not knowing that the TDB is the hardest decision to take because I had to read non-stop for four consecutive days. Mosquitoes were at the peak of my activity, and I was ruthlessly bitten to the point that sickness gripped me and I was taken to the school clinic for malaria treatment.”
The presence of mosquitoes in an academic environment of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto has served as a threat to students’ well-being, thus affecting their academic performances.
Mosquitoes are common fly insects that live in most parts of the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 3,500 types of mosquitoes can be found worldwide.
“Mosquito is a vector or carrier that aids the transmission process of diseases particularly malaria disease. Although disease transmitted by mosquitoes is not only limited to malaria, because it can also transmit filariasis, yellow fever, dengue fever among many others,” Mr Ibraheem Olasunkanmi Qoseem, a Medical Laboratory Scientist, explained.
“Commonly, the incidence of malaria is more severe than one can imagine. It is one of the leading causes of deaths globally with dire implications on under five years of age, pregnant women and people with low immunity. This is relatable with pregnant students, students nursing babies and students.”
Mr Ibraheem said,”Looking at mosquitoes from the perspective of how it affects students; the fear of being bitten by mosquitoes makes students stop reading at night, and it affects the students academic grade.”
‘Na God Save Me‘
Mosquitoes have almost dragged Muhibullahi Maryam to the home of her ancestors. The 200-level student said she was engulfed by malaria after constant mosquito bites.
She said during that time, she could not go to class for lecture or reading, thus, her academic performance suffered a heavy frustration.
“I had malaria because of these mosquito bites and it was God that saved me, not only medical intervention.”
Kadri Abubakar, a 300-level student hardly receives a wink of sleep throughout the night in his hostel. “Sometimes I stay awake till the following morning. Many times I felt depressed upon realizing that I am going to bed,”he said.
“And this has affected both my mental health and physical stability as well. Because each time I’m in the lecture hall, I used to be sleeping.”
Ways of Preventing Mosquitoes
Mr Ibraheem Olasunkanmi Qoseem explained the ways of preventing mosquitoes and how students should stick with hygiene.
“The foremost important but often underrated measure is hygiene. Negligence among students regarding who to cut the bushes and who to clean the surroundings of a dirty environment that are breeding space for mosquitoes.”
“Cultivating a good practice of hygiene in the hostel is an effective measure to not only mitigate malaria but also other life-threatening diseases.”
The Medical Laboratory Scientist said,”Application of mosquito repellent cream to the body can help students make good use of their nights for reading without the fear of being bitten by mosquitoes. Also, provision of mosquito-treated-nets by school clinics or management will be an intervention that goes a long way.”
“Collaboration of student leaders with medical students and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to organize continual medical outreaches that features health education, sensitization and drugs distribution,”he added.