UNILORIN urged to expand interdisciplinary scholarship and innovative medical education
By Mustafa Abubakar
Scholars from various Departments of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, have underscored the expanding role of the institution as a hub for interdisciplinary scholarship, innovative medical education, and student-driven research initiatives that address contemporary academic and societal challenges.
The scholars made this known last Tuesday (January 6, 2026) in a series of research presentations at the College, which interrogated critical issues affecting students’ wellbeing, medical training, academic performance, and the growing influence of student-led initiatives in advancing healthcare education and research.
Speaking on behalf of his research group, Dr T. T. Adeoye of the Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Ilorin, delivered a paper titled “Problematic Internet Use Among Nigerian University Students: The Influence of Parenting Styles and Sociodemographic Determinants.”
Dr Adeoye explained that the study examined problematic internet use defined as excessive and compulsive internet engagement that disrupts daily functioning among undergraduate students.
According to him, the cross-sectional study involved 398 students from the College of Health Sciences and employed standardised research instruments, including the Internet Addiction Test, Oslo Social Support Scale, and Parental Care Scale.
He disclosed that the findings revealed significant associations between problematic internet use and several sociodemographic variables, such as gender, Faculty, Department, academic level, accommodation, and social support. However, multivariate analysis identified the male gender as the only significant predictor, while parenting style was not found to be a significant determinant.
He emphasised the need for targeted interventions addressing key sociodemographic risk factors.
Also speaking on the topic, “Effectiveness of Peer and Instructor Assessments Using Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) and Practical Assessment of Generic Competencies (OSPAGC) at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin,” Dr E. E. Anyebe of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences reported findings from a mixed-methods study that assessed inter-rater reliability between expert instructors and novice peer assessors in simulation-based medical education.
Dr Anyebe stated that the participants comprised 400-level and 600-level medical students, as well as clinical lecturers.
The results, according to him, revealed significant differences in scoring patterns, with instructors applying stricter and more varied assessment standards compared to students.
The study highlighted the importance of structured assessor training and calibration to enhance consistency and reliability in clinical skills evaluation.
Similarly, Dr Mustapha J. Mubarak of the Department of Surgery , said his group’s paper, titled “Determinants of Medical Students’ Engagement and Academic Performance During Surgical Rotation at the University of Ilorin,” explained that the mixed-methods study explored factors influencing students’ engagement and performance during surgical rotations.
“Survey data from 187 students showed a strong correlation between clinical attendance and study hours, while lecture attendance demonstrated a weaker association. The findings also indicated that female students exhibited higher levels of engagement. Qualitative data revealed that students’ motivation was largely driven by the expectation of acquiring new knowledge and the perceived quality of teaching. Conversely, exposure to unstructured activities in emergency units was identified as a major source of stress”, he said.
Dr Mubarak noted that the findings provide valuable insights for improving the delivery of surgical education.
Speaking on the topic, “Evaluating the Growth and Impact of Mission: BRAIN Ilorin: A Comparative Review of Student-Led Neurosurgical Outreach, Research, and Education (2024–2025)”, Dr Kolawole, Caleb Anuoluwapo of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, said that the review examined the development of Mission: BRAIN Ilorin, a student-led neurosurgical initiative focused on education, research, and community outreach.
Using programmatic and institutional data, he disclosed that the study documented substantial growth in participation, research output, partnerships, and funding capacity between 2024 and 2025.
“The presentation demonstrated how structured student leadership, supported by faculty mentorship, can sustainably expand neurosurgical education and research in resource-limited academic environments.
The scholars submissions, however, reflected the strong commitment of the University of Ilorin to advancing research, strengthening medical education, and promoting innovative, student-driven initiatives that contribute meaningfully to academic development and societal needs.
