An Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Ghana and Exams Coordinator, Enoch Teye-Kwadjo, has urged students to move away from last-minute preparation and adopt a more strategic approach to exams.
This guidance comes at a crucial time, as students at the University of Ghana have officially begun their 2025/2026 examinations, which, according to the university’s official exam timetable, will run from April 7, 2026, to May 10, 2026.
Speaking to Univers News, he warned that while many students believe they thrive under pressure, cramming often triggers a “mental traffic jam,” making it difficult for the brain to retrieve information during exams.
“If you cram everything at once, your memory gets crowded. There will be cognitive interference, and you’ll struggle to recall the information during the exam. However, if you study over a longer period, your brain can recall information much more easily.”
Beyond study habits, Prof. Teye-Kwadjo highlighted the critical role of rest. Although staying up until dawn is a common habit on campus, he described sleep as a non-negotiable requirement for optimal performance, noting that a relaxed brain has the capacity to regenerate and function at its peak.
“A good sleep is a prerequisite for good performance. The brain needs to relax. If it relaxes, then it is able to regenerate itself. When you sit in the exam hall, you can recall almost everything you have studied simply because you have allowed it to relax.”
In addition to mental rest, the Exams Coordinator emphasized the impact of nutrition on academic performance. He noted that a poor diet during exam periods can affect cognitive clarity and instead recommended light meals before entering the exam hall.
“Eat lightly during examinations. If you eat too much, it can make you feel heavy and lethargic. When you eat lightly, your body systems are more active, and you can think clearly.”
For students facing the challenge of writing two papers in a single day, he recommended taking a short, regulated nap as a vital reset. He cautioned that immediately preparing for the next paper can be counterproductive, as a tired brain struggles to absorb new information.
“If the time between one paper and the next is long enough, then you should take a short nap. Don’t immediately jump into preparation for the next paper because the brain may be tired. You may sit and read, but you may not be retaining anything.”
Prof. Teye-Kwadjo’s guidance serves as a reminder that academic excellence is built on a balance between mental preparation and physical well-being. By prioritizing rest and consistent study habits over last-minute pressure, students can approach their exams with greater clarity and confidence.
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Story by Wilhemina Dushie | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
