Nigerian students turn to video games to beat exam stress
Video games are helping students unwind, stay focused and gain social and mental benefits during exam season.
Nigeria.- Nigerian students are turning to video games to manage exam stress and stay sharp. Football titles, in particular, have become a go-to break, offering both relaxation and a boost in focus.
At the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), students are logging long hours of revision, attending extra classes, and forming study groups. Yet, gaming has become a vital way to unwind without compromising productivity.
David Ajayi, a second-year student, believes that playing video games while studying offers real benefits. “I play FIFA soccer games with my friends during breaks between classes. It’s a great way to relax and take our minds off our studies, even if it’s just for a short while,” said Ajayi, according to NIJ Insight.
Student Representative Council (SRC) Sports Director, Famoroti Tunde, also highlighted the benefits. “Video games can be a healthy way to manage stress and improve mental well-being. As long as it is done in moderation, playing video games can be a fun and engaging way to relax.”
Meanwhile, NIJ Insight referenced research from Revista Comunicar, a Spanish academic journal on communication, media, education and youth trends, to support the benefits of gaming for Nigerian students. The journal notes that video game usage among young people can “affect health, socialisation, and academic performance in a positive way.”
This research highlights that gaming combines competition, skill and social interaction, making it particularly engaging. Studies emphasise potential cognitive benefits of gaming, such as improved problem-solving skills and multitasking abilities, especially when gaming is balanced with other activities.
For many students, football video games have become a crucial outlet, offering a brief escape from academic pressures. During exams, this mix of competition and relaxation helps students stay sharp, focused and socially connected.
