The Silent Burden: Inflation and the Struggles of University of Ibadan Students

It was a quiet afternoon at Indy Hall when a simple encounter revealed the struggles many students face in getting their daily bread. A young man walked into a small shop to buy kerosene. He held ₦700 in his hand, expecting it to be enough for at least a portion of what he needed. The response from the shopkeeper was sharp and pitiful: kerosene now sells at ₦1,500 per half-litre. For a moment, he paused, his shock very visible. The new price exceeded his expectations. Without much choice, he returned the kerosene and adjusted his plan. With the same ₦700, he changed his mind and chose to buy a ₦500 loaf of bread and ₦200 worth of butter.

Standing nearby and watching quietly, one couldn't help but feel that the scene was more than ordinary. It reflected how quickly basic needs are becoming almost unbearable for students struggling to sustain themselves. Garri becomes the order of the day when a broke student doesn't even have enough money to feed themselves.

For many students in the University of Ibadan halls of residence, the cost of daily living has indeed become something difficult to manage. Items once considered affordable are now rising beyond expected limits. Some weeks ago, kerosene was sold for ₦1,200 per litre. Shortly after, it increased to ₦3,000 per litre. Similarly, the price of a bag of sachet water rose from about ₦350 to ₦500. Imagine the sudden rise in prices just within a day. Based on a short survey among students, an average student uses about two and a half litres of kerosene weekly. At this current rate, this amount accumulates roughly to ₦7500 per week solely on kerosene. Adding the cost of water brings the total to about ₦8000 weekly, before considering food, academic materials, transportation, and data, which are nearly the most important tool for students. It is commendable that a WiFi system relieving students from the burden of data purchase has been provided within the university. That notwithstanding, for students from average or low-income families, especially those with other siblings to cater for or those who depend on limited allowances, these figures present a serious financial strain.

The pressure of rising costs is not always loud or visible, but it is deeply felt. Students are constantly adjusting to maintain a balance. Adaptation and survival manifest in reducing meals, sharing resources, or prioritizing only the most urgent needs. Social life and basic campus participation are affected. In informal conversations, students now joke about expenses in ways that express deeper concern. For instance, invitations to events are sometimes met with questions about whether kerosene or food will be shared as souvenirs.

At the same time, university residence policies constitute additional challenges. A recent memo from a hall of residence warned students against the use of hotplates, with penalties including possible ejection from the hostel. While the safety concerns surrounding hotplates and gas usage are valid, given the risk of fire incidents in shared living spaces, this restriction adds another layer of difficulty for students already struggling with rising costs.

This leaves many students with limited options, forcing them to navigate between safety regulations and financial reality. The combined effect of inflation and restrictive hostel policies is creating a significant strain on student life. Minor price increases in the market translate into major adjustments in daily survival within campus communities.

The scene at Indy Hall may have lasted only a few minutes, but it reflects a deeper issue parading silently across campus. Rising costs are not just numbers; they are shaping how students eat, live, and cope with academic life. Consider a student from a family that takes no interest or cannot provide for education, fending for himself while balancing academic life as well. This kind of financial pressure is a silent killer. In some cases, students have no one to turn to for help. It is a short walk from there to stealing, begging for food or even becoming suicidal.

The brain requires glucose to function. For many, the question is no longer just about affordability, but about sustainability. How long can students continue to adapt to hunger, especially considering the immense and unrelenting academic workload?

What is clear is that behind every price increase is a student recalculating survival. For many students, constant financial pressure can lead to persistent worry about how to make ends meet. When parents or guardians are already struggling to meet basic needs, the added weight of school expenses can create emotional strain and internal conflict. "Are you the only child? Why can't you be content with whatever we give you?" are not easy questions to answer.

In some cases, this situation pushes students into deeper reflection about the purpose and value of education, and even broader questions about life and their personal journey through it. While such thoughts are natural in moments of difficulty, they also highlight the psychological burden that economic hardship can place on young people in academic environments.

Ideally, a school environment should not only be a place for academic growth but also one that promotes affordability, stability, and comfort. These conditions are essential in helping students focus on their studies without being overwhelmed by avoidable financial stress. When basic needs become uncertain, the learning experience itself is affected, making it harder for students to fully engage with the academic opportunities before them.

Two weeks ago, the Student Union executives released a notice after a protest following power unavailability and lack of water. The protest disrupted academic activities for about a day, after which a meeting was held between the school authorities and Student Union representatives.

After the protest, a statement was issued and signed by the Student Union president and other executives. Item number 3 was on the approval of gas usage, to be approved within two weeks.

As things stand, a kilogram of cooking gas sells at less than half the current price of a litre of kerosene. And while two and a half litres of kerosene are required for a week, a kilogram of gas could last up to double that period or longer if used sparingly. The difference in cooking costs for a week comes to a little over six thousand naira. As such, the ease that a change to legal gas usage would bring simply cannot be overlooked. 

The two-week deadline of the issued statement elapsed on 20th May, 2026. The promised approval remains a promise in waiting. Struggling students are left wondering when that approval will come, as they struggle on. 

Adeitan Faith Ayomikun