Odunola urges staff, students to prioritise their well-being
By Bashir Dawodu
The Director of the University of Ilorin Health Services, Dr Rasheed Odunola, has urged staff and students of the institution, as well as Nigerians at large, to place greater priority on their health, stressing that good health is fundamental to productivity and quality life.
Dr Odunola gave this advice last Wednesday (Feberuary 11, 2026) during an interview with UNILORIN Bulletin in his office.
According to him, maintaining good health enables individuals to carry out daily activities effectively, supports academic performance, and enhances overall well-being.
He explained that health goes beyond the absence of disease, citing the World Health Organization’s 1948 definition of health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being”.
The Director emphasised the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, advising balanced nutrition, daily exercise of 20 to 30 minutes, six to seven hours of sleep, and the avoidance of smoking, illicit drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption.
He noted that smoking has been shown to reduce lifespan by about 45 to 50 percent, while excessive alcohol intake can lead to liver damage.
Dr Odunola also cautioned against risky behaviours, such as eating while driving and walking alone at night, which could expose individuals to preventable harm.
He further encouraged regular medical check-ups, describing them as critical to early detection and treatment of health conditions.
According to the medical expert, routine health assessments help preserve quality of life and reduce long-term medical costs.
Commending the University management, Dr Odunola highlighted the institution’s policy that allows staff members to undergo comprehensive clinical assessments on their birthdays for a token fee of ₦1,000.
He appealed to the University staff to disclose any health challenges to their Departments and the Directorate of Health Services, noting that such transparency would enable management to provide appropriate support, including light duties, reassignment, or social welfare assistance where necessary.