ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE — Presenter of BACK-TO-SCHOOL on Mature Minds Digital Radio & TV, Amb. S. Yasir Abiola, has urged students to develop a positive mindset, build self-confidence and adopt effective study habits as they prepare for their examinations.
Abiola gave the advice during a recent edition of the educational programme, themed “Building Smarter, Safer, and More Purposeful Learners,” where he spoke on the topic, “Your Mindset, Your Success: Building Confidence and Overcoming Examination Fear.”
He emphasised that while a positive mindset can influence how students approach academic challenges, success also requires adequate preparation, discipline, consistent practice and a willingness to seek help when necessary.
Using an illustrative story about two students confronted with the same Mathematics problem, the presenter explained how different attitudes towards challenges can influence students’ willingness to learn, practise and improve.
According to him, students should avoid allowing previous academic failures or difficult subjects to define their abilities, stressing that poor performance should be treated as an opportunity to identify learning gaps and work towards improvement.
“There is a difference between saying ‘I cannot do it’ and saying ‘I have not mastered it yet,’” Abiola noted, encouraging students to embrace continuous learning and remain determined when faced with difficult academic tasks.
CONFIDENCE, SELF-ESTEEM AND ACADEMIC PREPARATION
The presenter also highlighted the distinction between self-confidence and self-esteem, explaining that a student may struggle with a particular subject without losing their sense of personal worth.
He cautioned students against comparing their academic progress unnecessarily with that of their classmates, advising them to focus on identifying their weaknesses, recognising their progress and taking practical steps towards improvement.
On overcoming examination anxiety, Abiola recommended early preparation, the use of past questions, regular revision, adequate sleep, effective time management and seeking assistance from teachers or classmates.
He further advised students to approach examinations with a calm and constructive attitude, noting that feeling nervous does not automatically mean a student is unprepared or incapable of performing well.
He encouraged learners to concentrate on what they could control, including their preparation, effort and approach to answering examination questions.
FAITH AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Addressing the role of faith in personal development, Abiola referenced Qur’an 13:11, which highlights the relationship between inner transformation and changes in people’s circumstances.
He urged students to combine faith and prayer with discipline, responsible decision-making and consistent academic effort.
According to him, wishing for excellent results without taking the necessary steps towards preparation is insufficient.
He maintained that students should honestly assess their study habits, manage distractions, use their time wisely and seek guidance whenever they encounter difficulties.
CALL FOR GREATER SUPPORT FROM PARENTS AND TEACHERS
The BACK-TO-SCHOOL presenter also called on parents, teachers and school administrators to create supportive learning environments that encourage students to ask questions, acknowledge their difficulties and work towards improvement.
He advised parents against humiliating children over poor academic performance, urging them instead to identify the areas where their children require additional support.
Abiola stressed that correction should be accompanied by constructive guidance, noting that a student’s examination result should not be used as the sole measure of their worth.
He also encouraged teachers to make classrooms more welcoming to questions and academic discussions, particularly for learners who may be afraid of embarrassment when they do not understand a topic.
School administrators, he added, should promote academic support, revision opportunities and student wellbeing as part of broader efforts to improve learning outcomes.
STUDENTS CHALLENGED TO TAKE PRACTICAL STEPS
As part of the programme, Abiola challenged students to identify the subjects they found most difficult, select specific topics requiring improvement, create time for focused study, seek assistance where necessary and review their progress regularly.
He emphasised that setting an academic goal must be accompanied by a clear plan and consistent action.
In his closing remarks, the presenter encouraged students to believe in their capacity to improve, prepare diligently and remain consistent in their efforts.
He noted that although examinations are an important part of the academic journey, they do not define a student’s entire worth or determine every possibility in their future.
“Your mindset can influence your direction, but your daily actions help determine your progress,” he said, urging students to approach their academic responsibilities with optimism, discipline and a willingness to learn.
The programme reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among students, parents, teachers and school administrators in building confident, responsible and purposeful learners.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL is an educational programme on Mature Minds Digital Radio & TV designed to promote effective learning, encourage educational responsibility and inspire students to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed for personal and academic growth.
The programme’s tagline is “Education Matters: Educate Minds, Transform Nation.”
By Amb. S. YASIR ABIOLA
For Mature Minds Digital Radio & TV
