**LAGOS**: When Elisha (last name withheld), a student at a public university in Lagos, returned home during a break, his father was taken aback by his appearance. Although not ill, Elisha looked significantly emaciated, a result of severe malnutrition.
On campus, the accounting education student explained to his concerned father that his diet was limited to bread and beans due to the high cost of food items. “When I saw him arriving on a commercial motorbike, I immediately noticed how thin he had become. Upon greeting him, I asked if he had been ill, but he assured me he was fine. I then inquired if he was aware of his weight loss and its cause,” said his father, a medical professional at a Lagos teaching hospital.
Elisha revealed that due to overcrowded hostels and the inability to cook, he often subsisted on bread and beans. “Eating ‘swallows’ is a rare luxury,” he said. His father lamented the rising costs, noting that fees had skyrocketed from less than N40,000 to nearly N200,000 over recent years.
### Food Inflation in Nigeria
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), food inflation drove the headline inflation rate to 40.9% year-on-year in June 2024, up from 40.7% in May 2024 and significantly higher than 25.3% in June 2023. Core inflation also rose to 27.4% in June 2024, compared to 27.0% in May 2024 and 20.1% in June 2023. Overall inflation increased to 34.2% in June 2024, up from 22.8% in June 2023 and 34.0% in May 2024.
The inflationary pressures are largely attributed to currency depreciation, with the official exchange rate averaging N1471/$ in June, compared to N769/$ in June 2023, and rising imported food inflation at 36.4% year-on-year.
### Rising Food Costs at UNILAG
For a 300-level student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), survival on campus has become increasingly challenging. This student, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that while N500 previously sufficed for daily snacks and N1,500 for a meal, N800 now only covers a fraction of the same snacks. The cost of the cheapest meal on campus has risen to N1,300, with a full portion ranging between N2,800 and N3,000.
Another UNILAG student, Musa, reported that his weekly food expenses have surged from N5,000-N10,000 to nearly N20,000. “I had to stop frequenting some restaurants because the cost became unaffordable,” he said.
Israel Chukwuemeka, a 300-level English student, has found that eating at home before heading to school helps mitigate hunger. “I usually eat before leaving home and spend an additional N500 per day on campus. The school should consider subsidizing food for students,” he suggested.
### LASUED Students Struggle
At Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) in Ijanikin, where rice is a staple, a scoop of cooked rice costs N300, leaving many students unable to afford sufficient meals. Elizabeth Emmanuel, a 200-level student, urged the government to reduce food costs. “Previously, I managed on N4,000 weekly, but now even N4,000 isn’t enough. The government needs to lower food prices drastically,” she said.
### Covenant University and UNILORIN
A 200-level student at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, noted that feeding costs have doubled from N1,500 to N3,000 per day. “The government should reduce food prices as parents are struggling to support their children’s education and feeding.”
At the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), students like Ruka Ibrahim, a 400-level Mass Communication student, describe the situation as dire. “Students are now eating just to survive, not to be satisfied. The hike in food prices has made it extremely difficult to manage,” she said.
Another UNILORIN student reported spending N3,000 daily on food, up from N1,000 before the price increases. “The transport fare and food prices are consuming our allowances, impacting our studies,” he lamented.
### Support from School and Government
In response to the fee increases and food shortages, UNILAG’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, stated that the university, along with corporate bodies and alumni, is providing meals for 40 students daily and has expanded its work-study program. “We are committed to ensuring no student drops out due to financial constraints,” she said.
Parents, through the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), have called on the government to alleviate the burden on students. Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo suggested extending import waivers for essential food items and temporarily reopening borders to ease food shortages.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, recommended government subsidies for student meals and increased support through palliatives.
### Federal Government’s Initiative
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), is offering loans to support students’ fees, accommodation, and daily expenses. NELFUND spokesperson Mr. Nasir Ayitogo explained, “Students can apply for upkeep allowance loans to help with daily feeding and general expenses, in addition to covering tuition and housing costs.”
The situation remains challenging, but with continued support from various sectors, there is hope for relief for struggling students.
(Vanguard)