By: Abdullateef Faruq
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As the sun blazes fiercely in Sokoto, painting the skies with waves of heat, students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), find themselves grappling with an exhausting reality as fasting during Ramadan clashes with the daily unavoidable scorching sun. With the holy month coinciding with one of the hottest periods of the year, the struggle to balance academics, religious obligations, and survival in the unforgiving heat has become a daily battle.
The blistering sun drains energy, saps motivation, and leaves students dehydrated and fatigued, making it difficult to concentrate in lectures or engage in productive study sessions. The impact is evident as many students struggle to keep up with their academic demands while battling extreme weather conditions.
For some, like Abdullahi Shero Abbas, a 100-level student of Criminology and Security Studies, the heat has made studying an uphill task. He describes fasting in Sokoto’s sun as an experience unlike any other.
"My aptitude to concentrate during Ramadan is very low because people like me don't have the appetite to be convenient while hungry, not to talk of fasting. The heat adds another layer of difficulty, making it even harder to stay focused in class," he said.
Attending afternoon lectures, especially between 2 PM and 4 PM, has become a struggle for many. The sun is relentless, turning classrooms into stifling chambers where concentration fades as quickly as the sweat that trickles down their faces.
"The Sokoto sun feels like that of the seventh heaven. It discourages me from staying engaged in class, and by the time I get back to my room, I am already too weak to study," he added.
The Roadblock To Academic Excellence
For Asiya Aminu Kamaru, the harsh weather has affected her ability to concentrate, causing a noticeable setback in her academic performance.
"The excessive stress and dehydration make studying very difficult. Sometimes, it feels like I'm inside an oven," she lamented. "I now prefer studying at night or very early in the morning because it's the only time the heat is bearable."
She further explained that while she tries to pay more attention in class during the day, the reality is that exhaustion sets in too quickly. "I have noticed a step back in my academics because of the stress. I feel weak easily, and it kills my motivation to study."
For agricultural students like Abdulrasheed Aisha, who have classes from 8 AM to 6 PM, the struggle is even more intense.
"Trekking from the hostel to the faculty under the sun is a challenge on its own. Making sure to attend lectures all day while still preparing for night classes is exhausting. The worst part is the lack of electricity; the minimum we get is about eight hours. If you don't read within that time, you are on your own," she said.
She recalled an experience shared by a final-year student during the 2024/2025 session. "He said his lecturer advised him to always pour water and stay under a tree during extreme heat, but how is that even possible when fasting? Can we pour water? Can we stay under a tree while having lectures? It is a big no."
As of February 13, 2024, NiMET reported that temperatures across the nation have reached record highs, with peaks of 41°C in the North and 39°C in the South. Notably, on April 1st, 2024, Sokoto, a city in northwestern Nigeria, recorded an astonishing temperature of 44.8°C.
The meteorological agency also disclosed that Kebbi, Kano, Sokoto, and Katsina states in the northwest will experience severe hot temperatures and heat waves.
Dr. S. Y. Tsagem, a lecturer from the Department of Educational Foundations, acknowledged the impact of the intense weather on students' academic performance and concentration.
"The hot weather affects the students, and many lecture halls do not have air conditioners, which makes the situation even worse," he said.
He noted that some lectures could be adjusted to ease the burden on students. "Some classes can be rescheduled to earlier hours before the sun becomes unbearable. It would help if more lectures could be held between morning and 12 PM to reduce students’ exposure to extreme heat."
Dr. Tsagem also advised students to conserve their energy by staying in cool places and limiting unnecessary movements. "It is important that students do not roam around unnecessarily during this period. They should also find ways to cool their bodies, like using water where necessary," he added.
Despite the overwhelming heat, many students remain determined to push through, knowing that exams are just around the corner. For Aisha Abubakar, the heat is frustrating, but she understands that there is no choice but to persevere.
"The sun is unbearable, and it makes concentration in lectures and night classes difficult. But since exams are near, I have no option but to endure it," she said.
Survival Strategies Under The Fiery Atmosphere
With the heat refusing to show mercy, students have been forced to adopt new strategies to cope. Some opt for early morning study sessions before the sun reaches its peak, while others prefer night reading after breaking their fast.
While some students have adjusted their study schedules to night reading under streetlights, others have resigned themselves to simply pushing through the discomfort. "I don't wear serious clothes to night class anymore because of the heat, and during lectures, I try my best to stay hydrated once I break my fast," Aisha Abubakar has further explained.
"I always study between 7 AM and 12 PM. After that, I am too weak to do anything else," Abbas revealed. "Staying indoors is unbearable, but stepping outside means facing mosquitoes at night."
A 400-level student, Issa Roqeeb, who has experienced multiple Ramadans in Sokoto, admitted that studying during this period is nothing short of complicated.
"Fasting already makes one feel sluggish, but adding the intense heat to the equation makes it even worse. It reduces the motivation to read because everywhere feels uncomfortable," he said.
To cope, Roqeeb ensures he studies in well-ventilated areas like the school library, where air conditioning offers some relief. Others, like Berende Abbas Olayiwola, resort to frequent cold baths and drinking large amounts of water during iftar to stay hydrated.