Academic Pressure and the “Liquid Messiah” of OAU Students

              John Alabi

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has long been celebrated for its academic excellence, a reputation built on decades of rigorous academics and a meticulous grading system. Across faculties, students are constantly reminded that much is expected of them. The pursuit of high grades and competitive GPAs has created an atmosphere where academic pressure is both intense and unavoidable.

As the semester unfolds and examinations draw near, many students adopt different study techniques and survival strategies to cope with long reading hours and sleepless nights. Among these strategies is the widespread consumption of energy drinks—particularly Fearless, a brand that has become almost synonymous with night reading on campus.

On OAU campus, Fearless is a familiar sight. Students can be seen clutching bottles in lecture theatres and reading rooms, relying on the drink to fight drowsiness and extend study hours. For many, it has earned the nickname “liquid messiah,” believed to deliver quick alertness when exhaustion sets in.

However, opinions among students remain divided.

Jayeola Oladamisi, a Part 1 student of the Department of Software Engineering, expressed concern over its excessive consumption. “It is harmful, and students take too much of it.” 

Although he admitted that the drink does not affect him personally due to his sensitivity to caffeine, he warned against overdependence. Jayeola suggested alternatives such as chewing gum and dark chocolate, which he believes help improve concentration and assimilation without the risks associated with stimulants.

Similarly, Salako Daniel, a Part 2 student of the Department of Medical Rehabilitation, noted that energy drinks are not designed for frequent use.

  “Energy drinks are not something that should be taken daily, but most students take them every day just to stay active. Health-wise, it is not advisable,” he said. He recommended coffee as a relatively safer option, noting that it is often diluted and consumed in moderation.

On the other hand, David Akande, from the Department of Political Science, acknowledged the effectiveness of the drink in keeping him awake. “Whenever I take Fearless, I stay active and don’t feel sleepy,” he said.

Despite this, David advised students to complement reading with light meals, which he believes can help maintain energy levels naturally.

The views expressed by these students highlight a shared reality: while energy drinks may offer short-term alertness, their long-term effects raise serious concerns. From rapid heartbeats to potential kidney complications, excessive consumption poses health risks that many students may overlook in the race to meet academic demands.

As the pressure to excel continues to mount, students are increasingly urged to adopt healthier study habits and safer alternatives. In the end, what many now call a “liquid messiah” may gradually become a silent disruptor of the body’s natural functioning—offering temporary relief while exacting a hidden cost.