Tertiary Institutions Students, Business Owners Lament Economic Hardship in Nigeria -By Issa Ahmed Alhaji

Sometimes in the past, life in Nigeria was more manageable. Food was affordable, clean water was accessible, and fuel was a reliable companion for machines. Students could study with the assurance that a meal awaited them afterward. However, with recent economic hardships, this reality has changed, leaving students hungry and struggling to concentrate on their studies.

Muhammad Ballo, a 200-level student of Education and Extension Services at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) shared his experience. “The economic hardship has increased my hunger because there’s not enough money to go around. It’s tough to study on an empty stomach. Before, if I was hungry, I could still read knowing there was food waiting. Now, it feels pointless to study because an empty stomach leads to an empty head.”

Ballo also expressed concerns about the recent nationwide protest, “Protesting might worsen our situation, as we’ve seen during the EndSARS protest. I never support the national protest. Instead, the government should reinstate the fuel subsidy to ease the hardship and end the suffering.”

The struggles are not limited to UDUS students

Suleiman Zainab, a 300-level Mass Communication student at Kwara State University, Malete (KWASU), also highlighted the impact of skyrocketed prices of commodities. “The inflation in market prices has significantly affected students’ incomes and wages. It decreases customer patronage and makes life challenging. It hampers our moral and intellectual development. I’m fully in support of the nationwide protest against economic hardship. The government must listen to its people.”

Zainab also suggested solutions, “The government should regulate market prices to prevent excessive inflation, increase workers’ salaries, empower students at universities, and create job opportunities for graduates. Many first-class graduates are forced to hawk on the streets, which shouldn’t be the case.”

Shehu Abdulmalik, a final-year Islamic Studies student at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, described the economic situation’s broader impact. “The high prices of essential items like food, housing, and healthcare have led to a higher cost of living. The increased living expenses strain my finances, leaving less money for textbooks and other educational resources. The financial stress affects my mental health and academic performance.”

Abdulmalik, however, didn’t support the nationwide protest. He believes the government should explore other measures, such as price controls, subsidies, social support programs, monetary policy adjustments, fiscal policy changes, and supply chain improvements to address the economic challenges.

Tolls of Hardship on Business

A business owner, who requested anonymity, the CEO of Luxa Hair, expressed concerns about the economic situation’s impact on her business. “The increase in fuel prices and the dollar rate has reduced the quantity of goods we can import, affecting our business operations. I support the return of the fuel subsidy.”

Ibrahim Salamat, the CEO of Opeloyeru Provisions Store, echoed her ordeals, “My store, which used to be stocked with various goods, now struggles to meet customers’ demands. The removal of the subsidy has led to a decrease in students’ patronage because their allowances can’t cover the increased prices of goods. I wish to see the positive change from the nationwide protest.”

Expert Weighs-in

A Nigerian economist, Mallam Audu Bello emphasized that the removal of the subsidy without adequate provisions has exacerbated the economic hardship. He didn’t support the protest, citing potential negative effects on the economy and the risk of criminal elements hijacking it.

“Foreign investors are also wary of investing in crisis-prone countries. While there’s no quick fix, immediate measures to alleviate the hardship are essential,” he concluded.

The voices of these students and citizens highlight the urgent need for the government to address the economic challenges facing Nigeria. They call for policies that will reduce the cost of living, support the education sector, and create opportunities for a better future.