Nnamdi Azikiwe University is one of the most sought-after universities in Nigeria. In my early years as an undergraduate, the environment was somewhat conducive to learning, with good security and freedom. However, in recent times, it is not. The University has been suffering incessant killings and robbery of both students and residents of the student areas, especially as a result of the increased insecurity in the country.

Studying a programme in Unizik as fondly called, is like going on a dangerous or suicide mission. Lecturers’ frustrations, administrative workers’ rudeness, poor time management, extortions and strike actions by the University have left students in great dismay. Four-year programmes turn five to six-year programmes. Their have been cases of students who dropped out of school or committed suicide out of school frustrations.

On the part of the students, there are three categories of them. The serious ones who really came to study, the semi-serious ones who may have a full-time business, or are fully involved in students’ and lecturers’ politics and have shuffled schooling as a side hustle, and the unserious ones, who just came to school to show off wealth and body endowments and not attending lectures. At the end, it still all boils down to the ‘survival of the fittest’.

History and International Studies is an interesting programme to study especially due to the richness of the lecturers’ knowledge and ability to teach. But for quite a good number of my classmates, the programme is perceived as difficult, and lecturers make it overly serious. However, what we lacked was practical experience of class exercises and learning. We lived with so many curiosities and lack hands on experiences. And in many, it reduced the drive, enthusiasm and energy to want to further more after graduation.

Lecturers and students’ relation is poor. Lecturers instill fear in students making them believe that they are not good enough and would not scale successfully because the programme is difficult, even for them as undergraduates, years past. Lecturers are not punctual and consistent to class, making the students lose the enthusiasm they have in studying.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University includes the top performing institution in Nigeria. Comparing to most Federal Universities in the country, Unizik has attained certain level in facilities. But the facilities are still not enough for academic and social developments.

However, I wouldn’t mind recommending Nnamdi Azikiwe University to students who want to take part time programmes, first degree and short courses. Because, what is obtained in Unizik is generally obtained in all Federal Universities in Nigeria. But I would not recommend Unizik for Post-graduate studies, especially for Masters and PHD.

Lest I forget, with all that have been said, it would not be surprised to learn that even the students of the aforementioned institution nicknamed it “Uni-stress”.