The Distance Learning Institute (DLI), University of Lagos, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, hosted a special staff health seminar focused on a topic central to productivity and well-being in modern academic space .
With the theme, “Managing Stress and Stressors in an Open Distance Learning Environment” the seminar, which drew enthusiastic participation from staff across units of the Institute, was delivered by Internal Medicine Nephrologist, Dr. B. O. Ojuroye.
In his ponder-worthy presentation, Dr. Ojuroye highlighted the transformative impact of Online Distance Learning (ODL) on global education.
He noted that ODL has significantly broadened access for learners regardless of geography, time zone, or personal circumstance. However, he stressed that “this flexibility, while empowering, also introduces unique stressors that can hinder academic performance and overall well-being.”
According to him, many ODL learners struggle to navigate the delicate interplay of family responsibilities, professional duties, and academic demands. Setting priorities, organizing time effectively, and sustaining concentration often become overwhelming when balanced against the pressures of work fatigue, financial constraints, and high personal expectations.
Dr. Ojuroye described stress as “an everyday phenomenon and a non-specific response of the body to any demand that disrupts physical or mental balance.”
He identified several potential stressors prevalent in ODL environments, including:
1) Technological stressors such as poor connectivity and unfamiliar platforms
2) Social and emotional stressors, especially isolation
3) Academic stressors, including heavy workload and tight deadlines
4) Work–life balance challenges
5) Health-related stressors, often arising from prolonged screen time and inadequate rest.
The Deputy Medical Director at the Gbagada General Hospital addressed a range of issues associated with stress before presenting actionable strategies for managing them. Effective time management and thoughtful planning, he said, were the cornerstone of improved concentration, emotional stability, and learning efficiency.
Emphasizing practicality, Dr. Ojuroye encouraged participants to:
1) Create consistent weekly study or work schedules to build structure
2) Set realistic, achievable goals
3) Break large tasks into manageable portions
4) Use planners, notebooks, or digital calendars to prioritize activities and track deadlines
5) Incorporate regular breaks using techniques such as the Pomodoro method, allowing the mind and body to reset
These simple strategies, he maintained, will help reduce uncertainty, prevent burnout, and promote healthier learning habits.
A question-and-answer segment followed the presentation, during which participants engaged Dr. Ojuroye on practical approaches to handling stress in the workplace, managing digital fatigue, and maintaining emotional resilience in demanding academic environments. The interactive session provided an avenue for staff to seek clarifications, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of effective stress-management practices.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of the Distance Learning Institute, Professor Risikat Oladoyin Dauda, underscored the significance of the seminar, affirming the Institute’s commitment to the holistic well-being of its workforce. She noted that the fast-paced nature of higher education, especially within ODL, demands that staff maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Her words, “… balanced workers are more productive, more creative, and better positioned to deliver the quality of service our learners deserve.
Professor Dauda further encouraged members of staff to be intentional about protecting their mental health, prioritizing rest, and cultivating supportive professional environments.
Adding an exciting burst of energy to the event, the seminar featured a lively aerobic dance session led by Miss Omolola Taiwo. The session provided participants an opportunity to unwind, stretch, and engage in simple physical exercises that help reduce stress and elevate mood.
The DLI special staff health seminar rounded off with a medical check-up exercise for all participants.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
