The Vice-Chancellor of Wellspring University, Benin, Prof. Isaac Ajayi, has warned students against excessive and unregulated use of social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Vice-Chancellor, who gave the warning yesterday at the university’s 17th matriculation ceremony, further warned that excessive use of social media and AI could be sources of distraction.

Ajayi told the newly matriculated students that “academic engagement that demands originality, critical thinking, and meaningful contribution towards knowledge” is highly required from them. He urged them to avoid shortcuts and ensure that their work is authentic, properly referenced, and ethically conducted.

He said: “In this digital age, I must caution you against the excessive and unregulated use of social media. While it has its benefits, it can also become a major source of distraction. Use it wisely and ensure it does not take precedence over your academic and personal development.”

The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the newly matriculated students to take full advantage of the entrepreneurial and digital training opportunities embedded in their academic programmes, to become job creators rather than job seekers upon graduation.

MEANWHILE, a mental health advocate, Oluwatoke Owoseni, has blamed the rise in mental health challenges among Nigerian youths on excessive use of social media and a growing lack of contentment in society.

Owoseni, the Portfolio Manager of Lagos Minds, an initiative under the Lagos State Ministry of Health that offers free counselling services, made this known yesterday while addressing the corps members of the 2026 Batch A Stream II at the orientation camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

Explaining that having a mental health issue does not translate to being called a lunatic or connotes a severe crisis, she said that the stress and pressure people face during their day-to-day activities are taking a toll on their mental well-being.