In the heart of Lagos, a distressing scene unfolds at the home of Elisha, a student at one of the city’s public universities. Upon returning from school for a break, Elisha’s father was struck by the drastic change in his son’s appearance.
Emaciated and visibly weakened, Elisha’s condition reflects a broader crisis affecting students across Nigeria: soaring food inflation.
Students’ Struggle with Malnutrition
Elisha, an accounting education student, shared with his father the grim reality of his daily life on campus. With food prices escalating, he could barely afford bread and beans, which has led to significant weight loss and malnutrition.
“I was outside the house when I saw him coming on a commercial motorbike. Even from afar, I could see how lean he was,” his father recounted.
“He told me that he mostly eats bread and beans because cooking in hostels is a luxury and most students cannot afford proper meals.”
This personal story is emblematic of a widespread issue facing students nationwide. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that food inflation soared to 40.9% year-on-year in June 2024, a slight increase from 40.7% in May.
This marks a significant jump from 25.3% in June 2023. Core inflation also rose to 27.4% from 27.0% the previous month. The overall inflation rate has escalated to 34.2%, up from 22.8% in June 2023.
Rising Costs on Campus
At the University of Lagos (UNILAG), students are feeling the pinch of rising food costs acutely. One 300-level student explained that what once cost N500 for snacks and N1,500 for a meal has now risen dramatically.
“N800 can’t guarantee a snack and a drink anymore. For meals, it is even worse,” she said. The cheapest meal now costs N1,300, while a full portion ranges between N2,800 and N3,000.
Musa, another UNILAG student, noted that his weekly food expenditure has skyrocketed from N5,000 to nearly N20,000, forcing him to cut back on dining out.
Similarly, Israel Chukwuemeka, a 300-level student of the Department of English, manages to eat before leaving home to avoid the high costs at school, which still requires an additional N500 daily to top up.
Challenges at Other Universities
The crisis extends beyond UNILAG. At Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) in Ijanikin, where rice is a staple, students are struggling with prices.
A scoop of cooked rice now costs N300, making it unaffordable for many. Elizabeth Emmanuel, a 200-level student, lamented that her weekly budget of N4,000 has become insufficient due to the skyrocketing rice prices.
At Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, a 200-level student described how feeding costs have doubled from N1,500 to N3,000 daily.
The student urged the government to address the issue, highlighting the additional burden on parents who already struggle with high school fees.
Students’ Struggles at UNILORIN and UNIBEN
The situation is similarly dire at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and the University of Benin (UNIBEN). Ruka Ibrahim, a 400-level student at UNILORIN, stated that students are now eating just to survive rather than to be satisfied.
The cost of daily meals has risen from N1,000 to N3,000, leaving many students hungry and restless.
Favour Binchang from UNIBEN shared that the severe food shortages have forced her to rely on her campus fellowship and home visits for sustenance.
“Surviving now is hell. If you go to a ‘Bukateria’ at school, the cost of the cheapest food is about N1,200 per plate,” she explained.
Institutional Responses and Government Interventions
In response to the rising food prices, some universities have taken measures to support students. At UNILAG, the university management, corporate bodies, and alumni have collaborated to provide meals for 40 students daily.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola reported that the university is also increasing the number of participants in its work-study scheme and the compensation they receive.
The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has called for immediate government action to alleviate the crisis.
Deputy National President Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo suggested that the government extend import waivers for staple food items and temporarily open land borders to ease food supply issues.
“Most students in higher institutions are teenagers who need good nutrition. The government must make food more accessible,” he said.
Student Loan Schemes and Government Assistance
The Federal Government has introduced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to assist students with various needs, including food.
Mr. Nasir Ayitogo, a spokesperson for NELFUND, explained that students can apply for upkeep allowance loans to cover daily feeding and other expenses. This initiative aims to make learning more comfortable by addressing students’ financial needs comprehensively.
Conclusion
The current food inflation crisis in Nigeria has severely impacted students, affecting their health and academic performance. While universities and government bodies are taking steps to mitigate the effects, the rising costs continue to pose a significant challenge.
Addressing the crisis requires sustained and comprehensive measures from both the government and educational institutions to ensure that students can afford adequate nutrition while pursuing their studies.
