By Milcah Tanimu
The economic downturn affecting all sectors in the country is particularly harsh on education, resulting in a surge of indigent students struggling to cope.
An investigation by Vanguard reveals a grim reality: many students are abandoning their education due to hunger, financial constraints, and an inability to fulfill basic obligations such as paying fees and sustaining themselves adequately.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) serves as a microcosm of this crisis, where the management has stepped in to provide meals for students facing dire circumstances. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola highlighted the institution’s commitment to ensuring no student drops out due to financial constraints. However, the number of indigent students has risen notably since fee increases and the economic recession.
Real-life stories from campuses across Nigeria paint a stark picture. At the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), students grapple with exorbitant fee hikes, forcing some to resort to part-time jobs or seek assistance from peers and faculty members.
The plight extends to other essentials like transportation, textbooks, and daily sustenance. Students recount scenarios where even attending classes becomes a financial burden, with some resorting to odd jobs or reducing their meal intake to stretch limited resources.
For many students, the situation is dire. Damilola Akerele, a student at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, describes the daily struggle to afford meals amidst skyrocketing prices. She emphasizes the need for students to supplement their income through various means, such as engaging in small businesses or part-time work.
The economic hardship not only affects students’ academic performance but also takes a toll on their mental health. The constant worry about finances and family well-being distracts students from their studies, hindering their ability to focus and excel academically.
The situation has prompted calls for urgent intervention. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemns the fee hikes and urges the government to prioritize students’ welfare. However, despite government assurances of impending relief measures, many students remain skeptical about the tangible impact on their daily struggles.
In the face of mounting challenges, students across the country persevere, driven by a relentless determination to overcome obstacles and pursue their education against all odds. Yet, without substantial interventions to address the root causes of financial hardship in education, the risk of increased dropout rates and a lost generation of talented individuals looms large.