Nigerian Nursing Student Breaks Down in Emotional TikTok Video
A final-year nursing student from Elizade University in Nigeria has gone viral after posting a tearful video on TikTok, where she begged people not to study nursing unless they are mentally strong. The young lady, identified as @fissybrand, expressed extreme fatigue and frustration, citing upcoming exams as a major source of stress.
Student Details Her Struggles with Nursing Program
In the video, the student explained that she has a pre-council exam scheduled for this week, followed by her final council exam starting next week. She emphasized that failing the pre-council exam would prevent her from taking the council exam, a situation she described as overwhelming. "If you're not a strong person, don't study Nursing. I swear, don't study Nursing. If you want to study Nursing and you're not strong, just go abroad. I'm tired, I'm drained," she said, highlighting the intense pressures of the course.
Contradictory Advice Sparks Online Discussion
Despite urging others to avoid nursing, the student offered encouragement to a fellow student in the comments section. When a user named @Frieda, who is entering 300 level in October, asked if she should drop out, the viral video creator responded, "Don’t drop out, my love, God will see you through." This mixed message has sparked widespread reactions online, with many users sharing their own experiences and opinions.
Reactions from Social Media Users
The video attracted numerous comments from other students and professionals. Some, like nurse_size, questioned the existence of pre-council exams, while others, such as Chiomzy, noted that crying is a common part of the nursing school experience. Peace shared, "M still a pts student but my spirit is weak I lost the passion i have for nursing already i don’t want to quit school m just tired already," reflecting similar sentiments of burnout. Supportive messages also poured in, with Radioactive Pepper advising, "Just know you're doing well, I was just like you many years ago, I excelled and I believe you will too."
Context of Academic Stress in Nigerian Universities
This incident is not isolated, as other Nigerian students have recently voiced complaints about their courses. For example, a student from Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) cried out about the difficulties of studying Biochemistry, warning others to avoid it if they rely on cramming. Similarly, a graduate from Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) expressed distress over delayed results after five years. These cases highlight broader issues of academic pressure and institutional challenges in Nigeria's higher education system.
Implications for Prospective Students
The viral video serves as a cautionary tale for prospective university students in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience when choosing demanding courses like nursing. While the student's emotional outburst may deter some, her subsequent advice to persevere suggests that success is possible with determination and support. As debates continue online, this story underscores the need for better mental health resources and academic guidance in universities to help students navigate such stressors effectively.
