By Oroke Oghenewairhe
The University of Jos students lament over the persistent inflation in the cost of living which is a result of Nigeria’s unfavourable economic situation.
The prices of essential commodities like food have been skyrocketing consistently. Due to the consistent rise and irregularities in prices of food items and transportation daily. Students are beginning to go without meals, and disengage from essential travel and other important social activities all in a bid to continue their education during this period of economic hardship.
In the market today, the prices of food items are skyrocketing, a keg of palm oil that was sold for ₦800 is now ₦2,000, a pack of spaghetti that was ₦400 is now ₦650 and this has been the trend, living students in a state of lack and confusion on how to balance their income and make purchase.
The state of inflation has placed students under unprecedented hardship followed by the immediate hike in school charges. This has placed most students on a limited budget to cater for all of their expenses. But unfortunately, the continuous upward spiral in prices of commodities is becoming unpalatable, making it difficult for students to cover other necessary expenses.
Students express their grievance over the increase in transportation, due to the hike in fuel prices, restraining their movements, skipping classes and other school-related activities that are important.
In an interview with Ojefia Ufuoma, a 300-level student of Natural Science, complained, “Well, prices have indeed increased when it comes to transportation, the prices are very high, like the places I go for 50 naira are now 150. Sometimes, I have to be sure that classes scheduled are going to take place before coming to school to avoid wastage. Plus, I’m not that type that spends much but this has affected me and has made me cut down on my spending habit, to have enough to meet up with the situation”.
Students residing in the hostel also complained of the struggles that come with this poor economic situation. This has led to students embracing semi-nourished meals, some even engage in conditional fasting because they have to manage their expenses which in most cases involves cutting down on their healthy eating habits so as not to go broke.
Also expressing her ordeal, Blessing Agaba, a 200-level student of Marketing shared her experience of economic hardship.
She said, “As a new student in this time with only my parents footing my bills, it hasn’t been an easy experience, aside from the fact that school charges have been increased, I had budgeted a certain amount of money for registration, accommodation and food but with the situation, we find ourselves now, reverse is the case, because prices have doubled up making me live frugally to survive and this hasn’t been easy at all”.
Furthermore, students in a bid to manage the situation are faced with the option of having a side hustle to curtail this challenge. Some are involved in either business or getting a job which in a way affects their focus in school if not properly managed.
“Being a student and a business owner is tasking although business is something I love to do even as a student which has been a great source of support in my life in these hard times, and so I try as much as possible not to allow it get in the way of my study”, said Ayilaran Victoria, 400-level Marketing Student.
“The level at which the prices of commodities have doubled in the market is alarming, as a business owner I try as much as possible to be considerate with my customers who are also students in terms of profit because I feel their pains and understand their predicament, ” she added.
