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<\/strong> without compromising productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n David Ajayi, a second-year student, believes that playing video games while studying offers real benefits. \u201cI play FIFA soccer games<\/strong> with my friends during breaks between classes. It\u2019s a great way to relax and take our minds off our studies, even if it\u2019s just for a short while,\u201d said Ajayi, according to NIJ Insight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Student Representative Council (SRC) Sports Director, Famoroti Tunde, also highlighted the benefits. \u201cVideo games can be a healthy way to manage stress and improve mental well-being<\/strong>. As long as it is done in moderation, playing video games can be a fun and engaging way to relax.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong> for Nigerian students. The journal notes that video game usage among young people can \u201caffect health, socialisation, and academic performance in a positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This research highlights that gaming combines competition, skill and social interaction, making it particularly engaging. Studies emphasise potential cognitive benefits<\/strong> of gaming, such as improved problem-solving skills and multitasking abilities, especially when gaming is balanced with other activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many students, football video games have become a crucial outlet, offering a brief escape from academic pressures<\/strong>. During exams, this mix of competition and relaxation helps students stay sharp, focused and socially connected.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/08\/IMG_0007-900x600-300x200.jpg\")
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