UNILORIN students create more health awareness in Ilorin township
By Bashirat Omotosho
Postgraduate students of the Department of Health Promotion and Environmental Health Education, University of Ilorin, have taken health education beyond the classroom as they organised a community health awareness outreach for residents of Oloje community in Ilorin as part of their course requirements.
Declaring the programme open, Prof. Shuaib Olanrewaju Oniyangi, said the outreach was designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and community health needs.
He explained that the course emphasises practical engagement as he urged students to translate theoretical concepts into real-life solutions that can positively impact society, particularly underserved communities.
Prof. Oniyangi noted that community-based health education remains a vital tool in preventing diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles.
He commended the students for their commitment and professionalism, stressing that such initiatives align with the University’s mandate of community service, research, and impactful teaching.
The programme was divided into various sections, with students addressing key public health concerns such as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), where participants were educated on modes of transmission, prevention strategies, and the importance of early testing and treatment to reduce stigma and complications.
Another segment addressed Female Genital Mutilation. This highlighted its health risks, psychological effects, and the need to discourage the practice through sustained awareness and community advocacy; family planning and child spacing, emphasising their roles in maternal health, economic stability, and improved quality of life; pregnancy, where students enlightened community members on antenatal care, nutrition during pregnancy, and the importance of skilled birth attendance to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
Speaking on behalf of the Oloje community, the Magaji of Oloje, Mr Ibrahim Jimoh, expressed appreciation to the University of Ilorin and the students for choosing the community for the outreach. He described the programme as timely and educative, noting that the knowledge shared would contribute significantly to healthier living among residents.
He encouraged the students to continue engaging communities and prayed for the success of their academic pursuits.
Participants were given free condoms and free health consultations like blood pressure and blood sugar
