RESPONSE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TO BLOOD DONATION IN ACHIEVERS UNIVERSITY

A lack of awareness about blood donation opportunities and the importance of regular donations is another major barrier among undergraduate students. While many students may be aware of the concept of blood donation, they often lack detailed knowledge about how, when, and where they can donate. According to Osikomaiya and Anyanwu (2019), only 30% of surveyed students were familiar with the recommended frequency of blood donation and the various uses of donated blood in medical settings. This gap in knowledge limits students' ability to make informed decisions about participating in blood drives. Opportunities for blood donation are also limited on many university campuses. Without structured campaigns or regular blood drives organized by the institution, students may struggle to find convenient avenues for donating. A study by Bolarinwa et al. (2021) highlighted that students at Achievers University reported difficulty in identifying nearby blood banks or donation centers, which discouraged them from taking the initiative to donate. Additionally, irregular schedules and conflicting academic commitments further reduce the likelihood of participation. To address this issue, universities must prioritize creating accessible and consistent opportunities for students to engage in blood donation. This includes organizing campus-wide drives, collaborating with local blood banks, and integrating blood donation awareness into orientation programs. By making the process more visible and accessible, institutions can help bridge the gap between awareness and action.