Otitoju Femi
The Faculty of Social Sciences, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), held its annual lecture on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Faculty Auditorium as this year’s lecture focused on a compelling and controversial theme: “The Killer is in the Benefits: An Experimental Analysis of Energy Drinks and Human Health.”
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Azeez Olaniyan, warmly welcomed participants while expressing gratitude to the university management for its continuous support.
Besides, Professor Olaniyan eulogised the organizing committee for its dedication and hard work.
He said: “It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this faculty lecture. “I want to especially appreciate the university management for approving and supporting this important event. “
This annual lecture has become a tradition in our faculty, initiated by Professor Jeremiah Shola Omotola and carried on by his successors.
“It is one of the major intellectual highlights of our calendar. “
The organizing committee worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this lecture because they understand the value of research.
“We must continue to appreciate and promote academic inquiry.”
However, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olubunmi Samuel Shittu was represented by Professor Babatunde Omotosho, Director of Academic Planning, who officially declared the lecture open.
In his address, Professor Omotosho conveyed the Acting Vice-Chancellor’s congratulatory messages to the faculty and commended the timeliness of the lecture’s theme.
He said: “This is a very important and timely topic.”
“Energy drinks are now part of our everyday life for many, especially young people. I believe today’s lecture will be highly enlightened and impactful for our society.”
Meanwhile, the guest lecturer, Dr. Jackson Osuh from department of Psychology, delivered a thought-provoking presentation grounded in personal experience and scientific research.
He recounted how his first encounter with the energy drink, Fearless, sparked his interest in studying its effects.
He recalled: “I was on a long journey and feeling very drowsy. “I stopped to get my usual Pepsi, but the vendor offered me Fearless instead, claiming it would keep me alert.
“After drinking it, I did feel revitalized, but it also got me thinking about what exactly I had consumed.“
Statistics show that over 40% of individuals- age 18–24 regularly consume energy drinks.“Energy drinks don’t just compete with coffee—they often exceed it in caffeine content.
“They affect the body by stimulating dopamine and norepinephrine, which can lead to increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.”
Dr. Osuh however, emphasized that while moderate caffeine intake up to 400mg/day may be tolerable for adults, safe limits for children and adolescents remained undefined, making youth consumption particularly risky.
Besides, he cautioned long-term health implications of excessive energy drink use, including cardiovascular problems, mental health challenges such as depression, and physical dependence on caffeine.
He, however, concluded by highlighting health implications of his findings, saying “there’s a need for greater consumer awareness, gender-specific studies, and stronger public health interventions in order to regulate the marketing and consumption of energy drinks.”
Photo Credit: Nifesimi Ogungbe
