The Urgent Case for Early Wellness Education

Did you know that one in three Nigerian adults has high blood pressure, yet most don’t even know it? Or that over 11 million Nigerians are living with diabetes? These alarming statistics paint a grim picture of a health crisis that starts early but is rarely addressed in schools.

In Nigeria, discussions about health, wellness, and fitness often begin too late—only when the body starts showing distress signals. Despite the rise of wellness-focused institutions like Irep and Ere Wellness, our school curriculum remains shockingly silent on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being.

From nursery to tertiary education, there is no dedicated wellness course or government-accredited institution that prioritizes preventative health education. This lack of awareness has led to a rise in lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

With Nigeria ranking among the top six countries with the highest prevalence of high blood pressure globally, why aren’t we teaching health and fitness in schools?

At 25 years old, I had my first real health scare!!

It started as a tightness in my chest, something I initially ignored, assuming it was stress. However, as time passed, the discomfort became more frequent and more intense.

I finally decided to go for a medical check-up, and what followed was one of the most emotionally and financially draining experiences of my life.

I had to pay out of pocket for multiple scans, ECGs, and echocardiograms, all while anxiously waiting for a diagnosis. The results? I had high blood pressure (HBP) and a left axis deviation in my heart.?

My doctor’s instructions were clear: start taking BP medication immediately.

I felt shocked, frustrated, and scared. How had I let my health decline like this? Was I going to be on medication for the rest of my life?

At that moment, I made a life-changing decision: I had to take control of my health before it was too late.

At the time of my diagnosis, I weighed 110kg, a number that put me in the obese category based on BMI (Body Mass Index).

I knew I had to lose weight, but it felt impossible.

• I started with walking – It was tough, and every step felt like a struggle.
• I pushed myself to jog—just 1km at first – My lungs burned, my legs felt like lead, but I didn’t quit.
• Over time, I built endurance – I increased my runs to 3km, then 5km, and now, I confidently jog 10km without stopping.

This journey has taken three years, and today, I weigh 89kg, with a target of 80kg.

Losing weight and staying fit is not just about looking good—it’s about survival.

Do You Even Know Your Health Metrics?

Most Nigerians are unaware of their basic health metrics, yet these numbers could mean the difference between life and death. Here are key health terms everyone should understand:

• Visceral fat – The dangerous internal fat surrounding organs, linked to heart disease and diabetes.
• Body fat percentage – The percentage of fat in your body compared to lean mass.
• Body water level – The percentage of water in your body, essential for metabolism.
• Metabolic age – A comparison of your metabolism to the average for your age group.
• Blood pressure (BP) – A key indicator of cardiovascular health.

Would you drive a car without knowing its fuel level or tire pressure? Then why are you living without knowing these vital health indicators?

As Africans, we tend to ignore early symptoms, resort to self-medication, or wait until health problems become severe before seeking help. This mindset must change.

The High Cost of Ignoring Health

Preventive healthcare is cheaper than treating diseases. Many Nigerians think, “Gym memberships are expensive.”

But, hospital bills for chronic diseases are even more expensive. A single emergency hospitalization could cost hundreds of thousands of naira, not to mention long-term medication costs.

How to Take Control of Your Health (No Excuses!)

You don’t have to wait for the government to act. Start taking charge of your health today:

1. Use Free Online Resources – Platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and fitness blogs offer valuable health and wellness education.
2. Invest in a Digital Scale – Modern smart scales can measure body fat, water percentage, and BMI in seconds.
3. Join a Gym or Find a Workout Routine – Consistent strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises improve heart health, bone density, and muscle strength.
4. Monitor Your Blood Pressure – High blood pressure (HBP) is a silent killer. Check yours regularly.

To ensure a healthier future, the Nigerian government and educational institutions must take proactive steps:

• Introduce Mandatory Wellness Education – Schools should incorporate fitness, nutrition, and mental health into the curriculum from primary to tertiary levels.
• Government-Accredited Wellness Institutions – Establish and support institutions that prioritize preventive health education.
• Partnerships with Health & Fitness Experts – Schools should collaborate with nutritionists, trainers, and doctors to educate students on healthy living.
• Annual Health Check-ups in Schools – Routine check-ups for students can help detect health risks early.

While other countries integrate wellness education into their school systems, Nigeria lags behind.

The consequences?

• Rising cases of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
• Shorter life expectancy due to preventable illnesses.
• A burdened healthcare system that could have been relieved with preventive care.

The Bottom Line? If you don’t prioritize your health, you will pay for it later—financially, physically, and emotionally.

The best investment you can make is in your health and wellness. Don’t wait until a medical emergency forces you to change.

The future of Nigeria depends on healthier, stronger, and more informed individuals. Let’s start with education—because a well nation is a wealthy nation.