Life presents everyone with challenges, regardless of age. While some challenges may seem small, others can have a significant impact on our lives. These children, in this interview with MERCY AYANKUNLE, speak about their greatest challenges and how they believe they could be solved.

OLURODE SHAFAAU, 16 YEARS OLD

One of the biggest challenges is having unskilled or inadequately qualified teachers. When teachers are unable to teach effectively, students may not receive the quality education, knowledge, and skills they need for the future. Schools should prioritise employing capable teachers who have the necessary teaching skills.

ADEYANJU PELUMI, 15 YEARS OLD

Poor study habits. Many students do not make enough time to read or revise their schoolwork after school hours. They may understand what is taught in class but fail to go back to their notes and study independently. Parents and teachers should encourage students to develop a regular study routine after school.

Amidu Sukurat, 17 years old

Financial challenges and peer influence are some of the major difficulties students face today. For some students, financial problems make it difficult to afford important school materials. Another challenge is peer influence. Friends can either encourage a student to perform well or get involved in bad behaviours. Schools and families should provide reasonable support and resources to help students succeed.

AJIBOLA IYANUOLUWA, 14 YEARS OLD

Mental pressure and constant digital presence. Students now deal with anxiety, academic pressure, social comparison, and the feeling that they are never doing enough. Social media makes this even worse. This affects students. Constant exposure to digital content can make it difficult to concentrate for a long period. Things could become easier if students were given enough time to rest and participate in activities away from their phones. Schools should give students more opportunities to learn out of curiosity, rather than constantly worrying about grades.

OLAKALE ABDULHAMEED, 15 YEARS OLD

The challenge of academic pressure. Students deal with a lot of schoolwork, tests, and assignments, while some also face pressure from their parents to achieve good grades. When a student is under much pressure, it becomes difficult to concentrate in class or to study properly. Parents and teachers should understand what students are going through. To make things easier, schools should give students enough time to rest and avoid giving them much work at a go. Parents and teachers should listen to students and offer support, rather than putting excessive pressure on them.

ADEYANJU TOFUNMI, 13 YEARS OLD

Many students find it difficult to concentrate on their studies, especially after school hours, because they are occupied with different activities. Over time, this can lead to poor academic performance. Parents and teachers can do more by guiding students and helping them avoid activities that take their attention away from their studies, particularly after school hours.

AYINLA DAVID, 14 YEARS OLD

The biggest challenges are lack of time for reading, academic pressure, and distraction, particularly from social media. These challenges can affect students in several ways. They may begin to procrastinate, get less sleep, and experience more anxiety. Students need to learn how to manage these distractions themselves and be taught skills that will help them remain focused. (Nigerian Tribune)