“School Like Hell”: The Untold Struggles of Nigeria’s Student Mothers

Nnamdi Mary, a student at the Federal Polytechnic Offa (Fedpoffa) in Kwara State, faced significant challenges when she had her baby during her penultimate year of studies.

“It’s a new thing to me, being my first time. You may plan to come to school as early as 8 AM, but because of baby stuff, you end up coming to school by noon. Possibly, one or two lecture periods are gone already,” the mass communication student told Campus Reporter.

Now in her final year, Mary recalled how she often missed classes and paid classmates to help with assignments to ensure she gave maximum attention to her newborn. Despite these hurdles, she persevered in her academic pursuits and did not drop out. However, constant embarrassment and strong condemnation from lecturers who disapprove of bringing babies to class remain an issue.

Mary credits strategic planning for helping her balance school and motherhood. While it wasn’t easy, advice and support from her mother and friends were crucial. “I think it is getting a scale of preferences, because you will plan ahead on things that will distract you from going to school late,” she explained. “Every day, when I come back from school, I do laundry so that I don’t get delayed while preparing for class the following day.”

Across Nigerian tertiary institutions, student mothers grapple with numerous challenges, from household chores and childcare to balancing these responsibilities with their academics.

Startling Statistics on Young Mothers

Data reveals the scope of this issue. In 2018, the National Demographic Health Survey found that 1 in 5 girls aged 15-19 years in Nigeria had already begun childbearing. These young mothers are often advised to drop out of school or do so voluntarily to avoid societal stigma before their pregnancies become noticeable, among other factors.

A study which examined the challenges faced by student mothers in higher education revealed a significant feeling of exclusion from academics due to their inability to keep pace with their peers. To address these issues, the study recommended an inclusive approach, advocating for the establishment of student support centres, early childhood educational development centres, and counselling units in higher institutions.

Ojuolape Olabode, an Oyo-based psychologist, concurs, adding that student mothers are particularly susceptible to exhaustion and sleep deprivation due to irregular sleep patterns. “They also face back pain and physical strain from carrying a child and prolonged sitting during studies, which can negatively impact their academic journey,” the expert stressed.

Acing the Motherhood Race: Veronica’s Story

Like Mary, Obodo Veronica, another student at the same institution, explained that she couldn’t risk bringing her child to a class with over 200 students. “There is heat and children can’t cope in a class where there are a large number of students so I don’t bring them to school.”

The 24-year-old mother of two faces an even greater task, given her responsibilities. A mass communication student, Veronica has an infant less than two months old and a toddler. She prioritizes caring for them before preparing for school—a routine she has maintained for three years. To balance her responsibilities, she wakes up very early.

“Though my husband’s physical presence is not guaranteed because of the distance barrier, he has been very supportive financially, providing our monthly upkeep and bearing our needs,” Veronica admitted. She also praised the unwavering support of her elder sister and friends, who have helped ease her parenting journey.

“I Don’t See Motherhood as a Challenge”: Suliyah’s Perspective

Ibrahim Suliyah, another student mother from the institution, stated that she doesn’t perceive balancing motherhood and academics as a challenge. She attributes this to her self-trained time management skills, which help her overcome difficulties.

“Even before coming to school, before giving birth, I used to take care of my younger ones, bathing, feeding, and taking them to school,” she shared. “It hasn’t been difficult because I’m used to it. Back when we moved to our site, far from town, my uncle, who we always followed to town, would leave by 6 AM. I had to wake up by 3 AM to cook, wash, and prepare my two younger sisters for school before heading to work. It has become part of me.”

Suliyah, a 300-level student, prefers to take her child everywhere due to the unavailability of family members. She is against the idea of taking her child to daycares after a friend recounted a disturbing experience.

“I have a friend who usually takes her child to the daycare. The child will be there until she is back from school. My friend’s daughter is now 8 years old but the child had to repeat classes because of developmental issues,” she narrated. “She doesn’t talk, she doesn’t relate, always looking very dull. As time went by, I came to realize that all this was as a result of her being overdrugged with sleeping pills by the school caretakers in order to make her sleep,” she said with a sad tone.

Suliyah ensures her daughter’s schedule aligns with her reading periods, which she believes has aided her daughter’s academic progress. The media studies student also participates in online tutorials organized by fellow students, helping her better understand lectures. Her early preparation for exams and commitment to education have also significantly contributed to navigating the challenges.

The “Double Responsibilities” Burden

According to Farouq Yakub, a psychiatrist at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, most student mothers experience chronic fatigue due to sleep deprivation, irregular eating habits, and a lack of time for physical activity while balancing childcare and academics.

“Their bodies are still recovering from childbirth, yet they’re juggling studies, deadlines, and childcare, which can lead to exhaustion, headaches, muscle pain, and even weakened immunity,” said the doctor, who works in the hospital’s mental health unit.

He further elaborated: “Student mothers go through depression, anxiety, and stress due to balancing the dual responsibility of academics and parenting, which can also lead to mood swings, burnout, and, in severe cases, postpartum depression.”

To address this issue, Yakub emphasized the need for adequate support from family members, friends, and the university community, as well as prioritizing proper counseling. “Universities should offer flexible schedules, childcare services, and mental health support. Prioritizing self-care, even in small ways like short breaks, proper meals, and rest, is essential,” he advised.