Aluta and Chill | Page 4 of 28

For UNILAG, It’s Money Over Students

On July 21, 2023, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) put out an important notice to all its students that their school fees would be increased by 400% from September 1st. Neither the new undergraduates nor returning students were exempt.

On September 6, students gathered to march and raise their voices in solidarity against the inconsiderate school fees hike. The UNILAG management responded by calling the police on its students. Let’s get into everything there is to know about these events.

New school fees

New students whose course of study requires laboratory or studio use now pay ₦140,250. Others pay ₦100,750, while college of medicine undergraduates had their fees increased to ₦190,250 from an average of ₦20k per year. Why the sudden increase despite the current economic hardship?

The Student Loans Act

On August 8, Mr. Andrew Adejo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education said that the fees hike isn’t motivated by the Student Loans Act proposed by the new Tinubu government. According to him, the new fees will cover the cost of accommodation and utilities, to ensure the promise of premium quality of education.

Ministry of Education approval

Mr. Adejo also revealed that the Ministry of Education gave UNILAG the go-ahead but has stopped giving other universities. But why can’t there be a uniform decision for everyone?

The VC said it’s the national price

Although the government at the top has said they’ve stopped other universities from increasing their school fees, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, said the fees have been set all around Nigeria and can’t be adjusted for anyone.

UNILAG staff privilege

Staff members’ children can still pay their fees in installments at least a month before final exams. They also get accommodation spaces in the hostels reserved for them. The staff members themselves may begin remote work soon to cut down on their transportation expenses. These compromises make it easier for some people, while the majority bear the brunt of hardship.

The protest

After the university’s management failed on their promise to the student leaders on August 2 that they’ll reduce the school fees , the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) announced their plans to protest against the hike. NANS also sent a warning to the Department of State Services (DSS) not to stop them from protesting as it’s their universal human right.

But on the morning of September 6, 2023, policemen shot rubber bullets and teargas to scatter the agitated students’ peaceful protest.

Please what the hell is going on in Unilag ? How can university students be shot at for protesting ? At a university again ?
— Ebele (@ebelee_) September 6, 2023

SHAME ON UNILAG !!!
SHAME ON THE VICE
CHANCELLOR OF UNILAG
SHAME ON THE DSA
SHAME ON THE SENATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS.

Look at what they turned our peaceful protest to#PEPTJudgement • Arise TV • Breaking News • 6th of September • Hushpuppi pic.twitter.com/B5Y3XbSsmp
— Testimony Korede (@JIGGYBOY41) September 6, 2023

This was how it started
Follow and engage my tweets

This need to be looked into by federal governments
They turned out peaceful protest upside down

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu • #ObeyTheJudiciary • Ibadan • #PEPTJudgement • Unilag pic.twitter.com/xO7btvoFuY
— Testimony Korede (@JIGGYBOY41) September 6, 2023

Students in lock-up

Some of the protesting students have been arrested. While most are yet to be identified by names, the NANS PRO, Giwa Temitope, alongside another student named Femi Adeyeye are among them. The students’ representative council of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) wrote a solidarity letter, calling for the release of their arrested comrades and other students.

Unilag @UnilagNigeria management must understand that this struggle will only going to end in one way. That is, #FeesMustFall
All this that you people called the @PoliceNG to arrest, better go and release all of them. Cos it is just starting pic.twitter.com/qoSW56kJke
— Osetohamhen“ Revolutionary Jesusbaby” (@j_samdavid) September 6, 2023

Burning Ram is coming.

Tomide Marv

September 6, 2023

Aluta and Chill, Campus, General

2023, Aluta, Hiked school fees, Nigerian students, protest, Unilag
Who is Cyprian Igwe? The UniAbuja Student Suing University for ₦50m

A Nigerian university student, Cyprian Igwe, woke up to the news of a 50% increment in payable fees by the school management in May 2023 and planned a protest against it. But this was met with his rustication from the school.

The situation has now taken a legal turn. Here’s all we know about so far:

Who is Cyprian Igwe?

He’s a 400-level undergraduate student in the Sociology department of the University of Abuja. Igwe is also a member of the student union. He caught the attention of the public following his rustication from the university after allegedly inciting fellow students against the school management.

Why was he rusticated?

On April 29, 2023, the university announced the total payable fees for the 2022/2023 session in a Facebook post. And the 50% bump didn’t go down well with Igwe whose fee shot up to ₦89,000 from ₦47,300. He proceeded to express his displeasure with fellow student union executives via an official WhatsApp group. In his message, he called for a meeting to discuss possible solutions to the situation.

Source: ICIR

The university caught wind of Igwe’s WhatsApp message and responded to the call for a protest by issuing a rustication letter dated May 26, 2023, signed by the deputy registrar. Cyprian Igwe, and another student, Olalekan Oladeru, who broadcasted his message on WhatsApp, were accused of circulating “an inciteful press release”, an action “capable of jeopardising the peaceful smooth conduct of academic activities in the university and a breach of the university matriculation oath.”

Igwe told the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) that he was brought in for questioning by the school’s security officer, forced to sign the rustication letter and detained for four hours with no access to his mobile phone.

The rustication letter | Source: Twitter (@cyrpianigwe3)

How did Cyprian’s case get media attention?

Cyprian shared a Twitter post on May 26, the same day he was rusticated, which caught the attention of journalists and activists, amongst others. Reputable outlets like TechCabal, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and Legit.ng have since picked up his story.

There’s been an outpour of support from Nigerians who argue that students should be able to freely express themselves.

What’s the position of the student union president?

The SUG president, Emito Emmanuel Ayandayo, is against the university’s decision and maintains that there’s no evidence to back up the claims levelled against Cyprian Igwe and Oladeru.

He told the ICIR that the rustication letter referenced the incitement of violence, a meeting with members of the SUG, alumni and stakeholders, and a planned protest slated for May 29, which was all false. He said he issued a counter press release stating he never signed Igwe’s announcement, and there was no meeting held to discuss a protest as claimed in the rustication letter.

Ayandayo also said he spoke with the dean of student affairs, Prof Umar Kari, who maintained that there was a mistake in the rustication letter the assistant registrar sent out. Kari said the students should’ve been suspended and not rusticated.

Has Igwe’s status as a student been reinstated?

That same week, the university recalled the initial rustication letter and issued a fresh letter of suspension. The school’s public relations officer (PRO), Dr Habib Yakoob, claimed that the students were suspended contrary to widely circulated reports of rustication.

Is Igwe back in school?

As of June 2023, Igwe, through his lawyer, Tope Temokun, has taken legal action and sued the university at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The respondents include vice chancellor Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’allah, Yahaya Mohammed (registrar), Alkasim Umar (deputy registrar, academics, CSO Ibrahim Abdullahi Burga and four others.

Igwe is seeking an order reinstating his status as a bonafide student of UniAbuja, an order setting aside his rustication for violating his fundamental rights to a fair hearing and a declaration against his arrest and detention at the intelligence unit of the school on May 26.

In addition, he’s seeking damages to the sum of ₦50 million, for violation of his human rights.

Got a story to share? Send a pitch here.

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 23, 2023

Aluta and Chill, Inside Life

Cyprian Igwe, Nigerian students, Nigerians, university of abuja
Student Loan in Nigeria: 7 Tech-Savvy Courses You Should Consider

President Tinubu recently signed a bill into law that now allows for a student loan in Nigeria, and this move has assured citizens he meant business when he promised to hit the ground running. However, think of the bill as the government’s way of possibly removing subsidies from education in the country.

This means that federal universities might beef up their tuition fees and the last thing you want to do is take a loan to study courses that aren’t relevant in the current digital age. We’ve checked, and these tech courses are available in a number of Nigerian universities.

Data Science and Analytics

Source: Analytics Insight

Skilled data scientists are in high demand across various industries in the world. By learning data science and analytics, you can acquire the skills to analyze complex data sets and gain valuable insights. With these skills, you can become a tech-bro or sis and paying repaying that student loan will be easy work.

Schools that offer data science and analytics-related courses:

Federal University of Technology Minna | MSc Computer Science

Covenant University | MSc Computer Science

University of Nigeria, Nsukka | MSc Computer Science

Babcock University | MSc Computer Science

Digital Marketing:

Source: Springboard

Studying a course in digital marketing can set you up with the skills to help businesses and organizations reach their target audiences and promote products or services online. This field offers career options such as social media marketing, content creation, and search engine optimization. It’s a good course to invest in if you’re thinking of taking a student loan in Nigeria.

Schools that offer digital marketing-related courses:

Lagos Business School | Digital Marketing – Strategies for Winning in the Digital Age

Pan Atlantic University | B.Sc. Information Science and Media Studies (Digital Media) | Msc Media and Communication

University of Lagos |Mass Communication

Covenant University | BSc Marketing

Software Development

Source: Turing

If you’re taking a student loan in Nigeria, a course in software development should be on your radar if you want to get lucrative job opportunities after uni. By enrolling in a software development course, you’ll learn how to create mobile apps, websites, and software solutions. Maybe you’ll build the next Paystack, who knows?

Schools that offer software development/engineering-related courses:

Babcock University | BSc Computer Science (Information systems, technology)

Federal University of Technology Akure | BSc Software Engineering

Covenant University | MSc Computer Science| AOS: Software engineering, artificial intelligence, mobile computing, machine learning

Miva University | BSc Software Engineering

Cybersecurity

Source: Food safety magazine

In an age where companies are prone to cyber threats aka ‘working boys’, many are investing heavily in protecting their digital assets. By studying cybersecurity, you’ll learn how to help organisations safeguard their systems, detect and prevent cyberattacks. There’s a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and this is a solid investment if you’re taking a student loan in Nigeria.

Schools that offer cyber security courses:

Federal University of Technology Akure | BSc Cybersecurity

Miva University | BSc Cybersecurity

Mewar International University | BSc Cybersecurity

Babcock University | MSc Cybersecurity | PhD Cybersecurity

Federal University of Technology Minna | MSc Cyber Security

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):

Source: Maruti Techlabs

By gaining expertise in AI and machine learning, you’ll be a hot cake in the business world. With the ability to analyze complex data, develop algorithms, and build AI-driven applications, the harsh labour market has got nothing on you.

Schools that offer artificial intelligence and machine learning-related courses:

Babcock University | MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

Covenant University | M.Phil/Ph.D Computer Science | AOS: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning

Mobile App Development:

Source: Vival Technologies

With the rise of smartphones and mobile applications, the demand for skilled app developers has never been higher. By learning mobile app development, you’ll acquire the skills to build innovative and user-friendly applications. Think about some of your favourite apps: Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, talented minds created them and you can be one of them too.

Schools that offer mobile app development-related courses:

Covenant University | MSc Computer Science

Babcock University | BSc Computer Science (Information systems, technology)

Federal University of Technology Akure | BSc Software Engineering

Robotics and Automation:

Source: Prime Business Africa

The field of robotics and automation is booming, and there’s even a fear that robots might flood the labour market and render many jobless. God, abeg. But what if you’re the one building the robots? By studying this course, you’ll learn how to design and develop robots, automate processes, and integrate technology into various industries.

Schools that offer software robotics and automation-related courses:

Nile University | BEng Mechatronics Engineering

Airforce Institute of Technology | BEng Mechatronics Engineering

Please take the survey here.

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 13, 2023

Campus, Inside Life

Nigerians, Student Loan Bill, Tinubu
Why Nigerian Students Will Wake Up at 2 AM Just to Diss Their Universities

Every three bathroom breaks, Nigerian universities get dragged through the mud on and offline. But are they spitting facts or just dissing? We joined the conversation to uncover the reasons behind all the hate.

I-can-do-and-undo lecturers

Just pray you don’t get in trouble with a lecturer that thinks they’re next after God. They’ll tell you how they taught medicine to Small Doctor; and find a way to keep you in school for the next ten years.

Sex for grades

Why are there so many lecturers who can’t keep their genitals in their pants?

Damn. I wouldn’t even know what to do next pic.twitter.com/JB61MqDWw1
— Dahlia ♡🌵🌱🌴👼🏾 (@LaFlameGemini) September 15, 2021

Payola champions

Some lecturers must always collect money for books or department projects from students. Their catch phrase is “I’m not forcing you to buy my book, but if you don’t buy this year, you’ll buy next year”.

When will people stop asking if school’s on break?

It’s painful when you finally realise you’re still fighting for a bus at Unilorin car park when your mates from private unis are already complaining about NYSC PPA or entry-level work stress.

Hot babes, come to Ikoyi to get lit with other hot babes at HERtitude 2023 on May 27th. Get your ticket here.

Student union that’s weaker than spiderweb

Other than appearing at department dinners, they’ve no power to implement change. Also, why is a boomer the leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students?

Every year, school fees hike

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but school management wants you to have it when they want it.

Every morning, database is on 404 Error

One school got hacked several times recently. How long will sensitive data go unprotected? Just hire professionals.

Missing exam scripts

Imagine retaking a six-unit course because your exam script is sleeping under one dusty, heavy shelf in the department, and no one could be bothered to find it. How did it get there in the first place? No one knows.

ALSO READ: Just Imagine: If Nigerian Universities had Honest Slogans

Tomide Marv

May 15, 2023

Aluta and Chill, Campus

Nigerian students, Nigerian Universities, schools, students
List of Courses You Can Study With a JAMB Score of 160 or Less
Many universities require a 160 or above JAMB score to meet the Post-UTME aggregate score you need for admission. So what are your options when you score below this mark?

In this article, we’ve listed the courses you can study and schools you can attend with a low JAMB score.

Courses you can study with a low JAMB score

Arts

The art courses below are acceptable in universities for candidates with JAMB scores between 140 – 180. For polytechnics, candidates with scores between 100 – 120 are eligible.
- Theatre Arts
- Arabic and Islamic Studies
- Christian Religious Studies
- English and Literary Studies
- Fine and Applied Arts (Creative Arts)
- Yoruba and Communication Arts
- Foreign Languages (French, Chinese) and Literature
- History
- Linguistics and Nigerian Languages
- Music
- Theatre and Film Studies
- Guidance and Counselling
Science courses

The courses below are acceptable in universities for candidates with JAMB scores between 140 – 180. For polytechnics, candidates with scores between 100 – 120 are eligible as well.
- Fisheries
- Agricultural science
- Forest Resources Management or Forestry
- Home Science and Nutrition
- Soil Science
- Animal Science
- Botany
- Anatomy
- Marine Biology
Social Science and Management

The courses below are acceptable in universities for candidates with JAMB scores between 150 – 180. For polytechnics, candidates with scores between 100 – 120 are also eligible.
- Insurance
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Marketing
- Agricultural Economics
- Accountancy
- Business Management
- Actuarial Science
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Estate Management
- Health Administration and Management
Education

The courses below are acceptable in universities for candidates with JAMB scores between 140 – 180. For polytechnics, candidates with scores between 100 – 120 are also eligible.
- Arts Education
- Health Education
- Computer Science Education
- Economics Education
- Mathematics Education
- Physics Education
- Religious Studies Education
- Biology Education
- Chemistry Education
- English Language Education
- Guidance And Counselling Education
- Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa Language Education
Federal universities that accept low JAMB scores

These universities accept JAMB scores of 140 and above:
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State
- Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State
- Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
- Federal University of Lafia, Nassarawa State
- University of Maiduguri, Borno State
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
State universities that accept low JAMB scores

These universities also accept JAMB scores of 140 and above:
- Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
- Ekiti State University
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
- Gombe State Univeristy, Gombe
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education,Rumuolumeni
- Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
- Lagos State University, Ojo
- Niger Delta University, Yenagoa
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
- Plateau State University, Bokkos
NOTE: Admission also depends on your Post-UTME aggregate score compared to the required point score, which the institution and department determine. The aggregate score involves a point system that combines the O’ levels and JAMB scores.

NEXT READ: How To Check JAMB Result
Tife Oni

May 3, 2023

Aluta and Chill

JAMB 2023/2024, Jamb scores, list of courses, UTME
Just Imagine: If Nigerian Universities Had Honest Slogans

University of Lagos

“Your graduation year is just a suggestion.”

“For the pursuit of second class upper because A is for God”

University of Ibadan

“We’re older than the Nigeria that’s been showing you shege. What do you think we’ll show you?”

University of Ilorin

“We say ‘Better by far’ but we really mean ‘Better by stress’”

“Struggle to get in; struggle to get out”

“Forget what you heard, we strike harder than thunder”

“Welcome to a life-long abusive partnership”

Obafemi Awolowo University

“For learning and suffering”

“You think you like BDSM? Think again.”

Covenant University

“You think you have rights? LMAO”

“Even if you call us a prison, we’re still the best one”

Lagos State University

“At least, you’re in Lagos”

“Don’t get too attached to your school fees. People change”

Babcock University

“Struggle today, struggle tomorrow, struggle till you graduate”

Crawford University

“Forget the cute name, there’s a church service every day.”

Redeemer’s University

“In God we trust. Everybody else must bring money”

Ahmadu Bello University

“Forget the education. Come for the connections”

University of Port Harcourt

“For those who love living dangerously”

University of Benin

“The peak of your terrible life choices”

“Your life will flash before your eyes”

Unviersity of Nigeria

“Where Nigeria itself learned how to dish out shege”

“F is our favourite letter. It’ll be yours too”

Afe Babalola Univeristy

“For the bragging rights”

Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto

“If the stress doesn’t melt your brain, the sun will”

NEXT READ: 12 Ways Unilorin Will Seriously Frustrate Your Life

Sheriff Alimi

May 3, 2023

Aluta and Chill

Nigerian Universities, School, students, university slogans
9 Ways to Make Your Roommates Think About You 24/7

If your roommates hate you, you’re in deep shit. Which is why as the sweethearts we are, we’ve decided to tell you how to make sure this never happens to you.

Lay their beds

Sometimes, your roommates are late for lectures, or just too tired to lay their beds. Being the nice person you are, you should do it for them. If they don’t already like you, trust us, they’ll love you after this.

Share your allowance with them

God would love you for being a cheerful giver, but do you know who’d love you more? Your roommates.

Do their assignments for them

Because you’re selfless, and you want your roommates to like you, after doing your assignments, ask if they have any assignments you can help them with.

Cook for them

Everyone loves free food. Your roommates would adore and kill you with hugs if you cook for them. When you come back from your classes, head straight to the kitchen, whip up a nice meal, and serve it to them on a platter.

RELATED: All The Different Types Of Roommates in A School Hostel

Fetch water for them

We all know how Nigerian school hostels are; sometimes, the taps don’t run. Go out of your way by making sure your roommates’ buckets are always filled. How you’ll do it, we don’t, but just imagine the look on their faces when they see you’ve filled their buckets for them when they wake up in the morning.

Don’t stay in the room

Distance makes the heart grow fonder. If your roommates don’t see you every day, they might miss you and be nice to you when they finally return. So please, don’t spend too much time in your room.

Don’t touch their stuff

People hate nothing more than when you touch their stuff, so please, respect yourself, and leave their property alone.

Be funny, but not too funny

Everybody loves a clown, but let’s be honest, it gets to a point where it’s just tiring. What we’re trying to say is, to know when to shut up and stop being funny.

Don’t be too loud

Noisemakers are annoying because why are they always shouting? Just be calm, and your roommates will instantly love you — except you live with agberos sha.

Ralia

November 16, 2022

Aluta and Chill, Campus, Inside Life

roommates, think
ASUU Strike Is Over, but What Happens to These Students’ Jobs?

When the strike started in February [2022], some students may have assumed it wouldn’t last more than a month — it was a four-week warning strike, after all.

But when the strike kept extending till it was declared indefinite, many students were like:

Welp! Time to secure the bag

The strike is finally over, and students are expected to resume school by October 24 [2022]. What happens to those who already secured jobs during this period to make good use of the by-force holiday? I asked seven of them about their plans, and here are their answers.

“I’m not smelling school till next year”

— Yewande, 25, Master’s student, Unilorin

I sat at home for the first five months of the strike before I landed my current human resources job in Lagos. It wouldn’t make sense to just up and leave when I’ve not even spent six months.

Sure, they know I’m a student and may understand, but honestly, I don’t even want to go. ASUU themselves said their demands haven’t been fully satisfied. What’s to say they won’t start another strike next month? Which lecturer would even want to resume after being owed since February?

They’ll be alright. My focus now is my job. Some graduates don’t even have jobs, so I can’t abandon mine for people who can change their minds in one minute. I’ll go back to school, but that’ll be in January.

“I had to abandon my internship”

— Joke, 19, first-year student, EKSU

My school’s management ordered the resumption of school activities ahead of the ASUU strike call-off, so I had to go back around September [2022] for practicals.

It was really painful because I’d just got an internship with this real estate company in Lagos in late August [2022]. They were even going to give me a stipend, and it would’ve been my first professional work experience, but I didn’t get either.

ASUU and co, well-done o.

“I’m still keeping my job”

— Kunle, 20, third-year student, Unilag

I got a virtual assistant job in August [2022], and it’s been great. With school resuming now, it’ll likely be very tough because the job is demanding. But I’ll just find a way around it.

It’s too soon for me to request leave from work, so that’s out of the question. If worse comes to worst, and exams start, I’ll form sickness and take sick leave. School is important, but money is importanter.

RELATED: “Let the ASUU Strike Continue” — These 5 Students Are More Interested in Making Money Online

“My business will likely take a bad hit”

— Jane, 23, final-year student, UI

My elder sister helped me start a mini fashion supply business last month [September 2022]. Since I’m based in Lagos, I have easy access to Balogun market. So, I post stuff on my WhatsApp and supply them to people.

Now that the strike is over, I need to return to Ibadan. It doesn’t seem financially prudent to continue because I’ll have to include dispatch fees. How much would my profit be?

I’m not happy because I was just getting the hang of the business, but at least I finally get to go back to school and start thinking of graduation.

“This isn’t what we planned, ASUU”

— Goke, 20, second-year student, FUNAAB

I started an internship in September [2022]. I confidently started a physical one because I’d concluded the strike would stay on till next year, especially since our government is more interested in the campaigns.

Now, I’m forced to leave without giving the company adequate notice. This isn’t what we planned, ASUU.

“I’m more than happy to go back to school”

— Ann, 19, second-year student, Unilag

Since the strike started in February, I’ve been teaching at a school close to my area. The money is trash — just ₦8k — but I took it so I wouldn’t have to stay home.

Immediately I got confirmation of the strike call-off, I resigned. School is stressful, but at least, I’ll get an allowance and live my best baby girl lifestyle.

“I can’t afford to go back just yet”

— Mide, 23, final-year student, EKSU

I got a teaching job just like most of my peers did. But unlike them, I can’t afford to resign now. Firstly, I usually get paid in the first week of the new month, so I have to stay till November [2022] at least.

Still, I’m considering staying till December because final year is expensive, and I need to make sure I’m loaded. I’m also confident my landlord at school will start disturbing me for payment once he sees me. I don’t even have time to think about it now. I just need to have money.

Let Zikoko tell you where the money at! Subscribe to the Money By Zikoko newsletter to get all the gist about how money moves in Nigeria, by Nigerians.

ALSO READ: “My School Is the Ghetto, But I Miss My Friends” – 9 Students Share What They Missed During the ASUU Strike

Tife Oni

October 20, 2022

Aluta and Chill, Money

ASUU strike, hustle, Jobs, Nigerian students
“My School Is the Ghetto, But I Miss My Friends” – 9 Students Share What They Missed During the ASUU Strike

The ASUU strike is finally off, and all the Nigerian university students will have returned to school by October 24 [2022]. We asked nine of them what they’ve missed about their universities in the last eight months away. From Onyi, who misses the easy access to her boyfriend while in FUTO, to Nas and UNIABUJA Friday night parties, here are their answers.

Photo by Charlotte May

Dindu*, UNN, Male, 19

The ASUU strike took away the financial freedom l had in school. I bought anything l wanted. Lunch was always at Chitis. I mean, my parents would send me money without asking. But during the strike, l didn’t see shishi. My elder siblings, who randomly sent me money, all disappeared. And they don’t believe it when l tell them in the family group chat that their baby boy is broke. My eldest sister would ask me what l need money for since l’m at home. Sis doesn’t know money enhances the baby-boyness so l can remain relevant.

READ THIS: Aluta And Chill: 5 Students Talk About Their Experiences With Strikes

Shirley*, FUNAI, Female, 20

My school is the ghetto. Yeah, I have another opportunity to drag them, and l won’t miss it. The only thing l miss is physically meeting my friends and bantering over mundane things. It’s not like we don’t communicate again, but l miss physically seeing them. My friends are the coolest people on earth; l miss them so much. They’re what l miss.

Onyi*, FUTO, Female, 23

I miss my boyfriend. I live in Anambra, and he’s in Abuja. We communicate every day, but l miss everything about him: his advice, help with my studies, gentle touches, sense of humour… everything. He’s the best thing that happened to me in FUTO. We’ve been dating for roughly a year, but it seems brand new every day around him, and there’s always something new to learn with him. The strike made me appreciate the moments that we shared more. We used to see almost every day in school. I’m happy ASUU has finally called off the strike because l miss that boy.

Photo credit: The Guardian Nigeria

Bose*, UI, Female, 24

There’s this lecturer who takes one of the history courses. Once you attend his lectures, you’re sure to learn one or two big grammar. He’ll come to class, spitting grammar laidis, and we’ll just sit listening to him. Man is learned. Patrick Obahiagbon can’t even tie Professor Johnbull’s (that’s what we call him) shoelaces. I low-key miss the man’s “gargantuan crinkum crankum”.

RELATED: Aluta And Chill: 5 University of Ibadan Students Talk About Their Relationship Struggles

Big T*, UNIZIK, Male, 23

I miss my babes — not my girlfriends but friends that are so dear to me. I got to know them in my first week of resumption through my lodge mate, and we’ve gone on to become great friends. We vibe wella. They have great personalities. But since the strike, our communication via WhatsApp has reduced to little chit-chat.

Frank*, UNN, Male, 20

I miss quite a lot about school. I miss the suffocating green shuttle buses l took every morning. If l don’t board the shuttle, l have to walk, and l hate walking long distances. I miss the wicked bastid sun of Nsukka. See, my skin is glowing now, but l know once l return to that place, it’ll wear off. Not like l love the sun, but l miss it beating me wickedly, especially during afternoons l don’t have a choice but to walk. I also miss the Okpa Nsukka that has been saving lives since the beginning of time.

Justin*, UNIBEN, Male, 20

I miss my beans and plantain plug. I love beans and plantain so much that l can exchange my kidney for a plate, but since the strike, l haven’t had one as good as the one I buy in school. That woman beats anyone who cooks beans and plantain. I don’t know how she prepares it, but it’s so tasty. I have referred countless people, and for every three people, she gives me one free plate. That’s the only thing l miss o, the good food l eat.

Nonso*, UNIZIK, Male, 24

I miss the stress of UNIZIK. Because of how stressful the environment is, we nicknamed it UNISTRESS. Waking early, suiting up in corporate attire and the boring hours l have to sit and listen to lectures, are what l miss about the school. Everything is designed to stress you from dusk to dawn at UNIZIK. For the past eight months, l’ve done things my own way; I rested and caught up on things l missed while in school. I’ve sha been preparing even while l was resting because l knew when the strike is finally called off, we go collect woto woto. UNIZIK always makes up for lost calendars, one way or the other.

Photo credit: Daily Post Nigeria

Nas*, UNIABUJA, Male, 22

I miss my friends at school. Friday night parties, aimless long walks while gisting with friends and having fun. I’m a certified loner at home.

*Names have been changed to protect the subjects’ identities

NEXT: ASUU Strike Has Ended, and These Are the Winners and Losers

Contributor

October 18, 2022

Aluta and Chill, Campus

ASUU strike, Back to School, Nigerian, University Students
Open Letter to Nigerian Parents: It’s Okay to Fail

Dear Nigerian Parents,

I want to tell you an unfamiliar story. One that may seem foreign to the rhetoric you’ve pushed onto us for ages. It’s a story of imperfection, the never-ending struggle we were raised into, the constant reminder that we need to break free from the belief that it’s our duty to rise above it all and “succeed”. We even coined a name for this process, “hustle”. We adore it, worship it, and it defines every day of our lives. And if we don’t play this game and pass, we’ve failed.

Well, here’s a radical idea. Maybe it’s okay to fail. Because you’ve failed too.

You failed to see the flaw in making us live this way in the first place. In making us believe our worth was only in the things we were able to achieve, that our grades are all that matter, and that our value is conditional. We don’t hate you, but it’s not fair. Especially when you must have failed at some point in your life too. But you’re here.

That carryover is not what’s going to end my life. Getting a C instead of an A is not the end of the world. I need you to see that I try. I hope you know not everyone can get an A. The fact that I failed once in school doesn’t mean I always will. It also doesn’t mean I’ll fail at life. But above all, I hope you know that even if I do, I’ll try again. Because it’s okay to fail.

And I’m not alone in this, The educational system itself has failed me. Locking me out of an education for eight months. The country itself has failed, putting its citizens into worse living conditions year after year. We’ve all failed in some way. But we’re still here. The mere truth of that means we have the chance to make it better, as long as we keep trying.

In all, I hope you don’t fail to get the message of this story, that it’s okay to fail. As long as I don’t stay on the ground.

I’ll keep trying my hardest.

💌,

Nigerian Students

Sheriff Alimi

October 16, 2022

Aluta and Chill

failure, Life, Nigerian parents, School