By Joy Christopher
For many university students, campus life is not only about attending lectures, completing assignments and preparing for examinations. It is also a period when friendships and romantic relationships develop. While relationships can provide companionship, emotional support and motivation, they can also become a source of distraction when they are not properly managed.
For some students, the emotional demands of a relationship can make it difficult to concentrate on academic responsibilities. Others believe relationships can provide support and motivation when both partners understand the importance of their education.
Across the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), students have expressed different views on how romantic relationships can influence academic life, with some describing them as emotionally draining and distracting, while others believe that proper balance can make it possible to manage both relationships and academics.
Abdulsalam, an MLS student, described toxic relationships as mentally draining and capable of affecting a student’s academic focus. He said being in a relationship can make students constantly think about someone they imagine a future with, leaving them emotionally distracted from their studies.
According to Abdulsalam, relationships can hamper academic excellence and even contribute to failure when students lack discipline. He advised young scholars to concentrate on their education and consider romance later.
However, Abdullahi, a Sociology student, believes relationships are not necessarily a problem if students are able to set their priorities correctly.
He said relationships can become a distraction when students fail to manage their time, but they can also serve as a source of motivation when both partners understand and support each other.
“Balance be the key,” Abdullahi said, emphasising the need for students to maintain a healthy balance between their academic responsibilities and personal lives.
Abdullahi also recalled seeing a friend whose relationship affected his academic performance. He said the student spent considerable time on his phone and sometimes skipped classes for dates. His grades eventually dropped before he regained focus and improved academically.
For Zainab, a Mass Communication student, the effect of a romantic relationship on academics can depend largely on the condition of the relationship.
Zainab said her romantic life can affect her academic performance, particularly when the relationship becomes stressful or emotionally demanding. While things may be different when the relationship is going well, misunderstandings and emotional issues can make it difficult for students to concentrate on their studies.
She also acknowledged that relationships can sometimes reduce the amount of time students dedicate to academics. Chatting, phone calls and dealing with relationship issues can take up time that could otherwise be spent studying.
However, Zainab said students can manage both by setting aside specific time for academics and ensuring that their studies remain a priority.
The experiences shared by these students reflect a wider concern among students about maintaining a balance between emotional relationships and academic responsibilities. While some students may find companionship and motivation in relationships, others may struggle when relationships demand excessive time and emotional attention.
The problem becomes more noticeable when students begin sacrificing lectures, reading, assignments or other academic activities for their partners. Constant communication, frequent dates and emotional conflicts can gradually affect concentration and academic performance.
At the same time, relationships should not automatically be considered a barrier to academic success. A supportive partner can encourage a student to study, provide emotional support during difficult periods and motivate them to achieve their goals.
For students, the challenge is therefore not necessarily choosing between love and education, but learning how to balance both. Academic responsibilities require discipline, while healthy relationships require understanding and mutual respect.
As students navigate their academic and personal lives, maintaining the right balance may determine whether a relationship becomes a source of support or a distraction. Ultimately, education remains a major reason for being in the university, and relationships should complement that goal rather than stand in its way.
