The increase in the cost of living in the country has made it difficult for an average Nigerian to live the normal and expected standard of living. Students across tertiary institutions are not left out in this situation, as the present economic state had made it difficult for them to navigate their academic journey across their various institutions.
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On May 29, 2023, the President declared the removal of fuel subsidy on petrol, stating it was for the benefit of the citizens. This choice came during a period when Nigerians were still dealing with the effects of a contentious cashless policy. As a result, the country has seen an increase in the prices of goods and services, causing confusion among the citizens and making it difficult for them to go about their daily.
ACJOAU conducted a Poll on its official X page to get the opinion of students on the present economic situation in the country
OAU Students Narrate
Feranmi Sunday, a student in the department of Accounting stated that the present economic situation is alarming. Feranmi said, ‘The situation is terrible’. He stated that the market women and traders are even making matters worse for students. They blame the increase in prices of goods on inflation.
Feranmi further said, ‘The buses are very scarce. I have had to trek from campus gate to Mayfair a couple of times’, because bus drivers could not get fuel. Feranmi submitted that the process of remedying the whole situation ‘starts from us’. He emphasized that traders and market women should regularize the prices at which they sell their products.
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Femi, a student of the department of Soil Science also holds the same view that change begins with us. “We blame the government even when we need deliverance.” Femi further spoke about the high prices of fares. He stated that the drivers themselves obtained the fuel and, as such, cannot be totally blamed for the high prices of transport fuels.
Nonetheless, he said that the Students’ Union provided a means of transportation at a lower rate, but he has only enjoyed it once. ‘If possible, the Students’ Union should double or triple the number of buses for the ease of students.
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Pelumi, a student from the department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering complained about the money he has to spend on transporting himself to Campus. ‘Imagine thinking you are done with class for the day and you go home, only for the class rep to send an update on something important,, he said.
He further complained about the way some classes get cancelled after all efforts to attend them. Pelumi is of the opinion that the government should be able to work with the school to provide buses that charge lesser fees.
Esther Natalia describes the situation as ‘a whole lot’. She explained that the cost of transportation and that of leaving is unbearable. ‘I literally have to spend ₦1000 each day’, she said.
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Adesola, a fresh student stated that she is just getting to experience the economic challenges students go through. ‘I never imagined it was as heartbreaking as this’, she said. She complained about the ever rising cost of living and the amount she had for spend on transport daily. Adesola said, ‘At times, I have to stay on campus overnight to reduce costs. Even the basic necessities are so expensive’.
All these and more are the sad realities students have to cope up with. The economic situation of the country has caused an inflation that is affecting the everyday lives of students.
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