Nigerian students worry about a lot of things, but at the top of the list are two things — money and grades. While grades are usually a beginning/end of semester affair, money or the lack of it is usually more consistent. We’re putting it to you right now that you thought about at least one of the following or some variation of them at some point when you were broke in school.
“Let me call my parents”
It’s kind of their fault you’re broke. It wasn’t enough that they brought you into this stupid world without your consent, they also assumed that you wanted an education. Your problem has to be their problem too. But then, they had just sent you something recently, so you really can’t ask them.
“I’m not going to class anymore”
The little money you have left will last longer if you don’t have to worry about going to class, especially if you live outside the school grounds. However, your lecturers have no heart and take the 75% attendance seriously. You want to write their exams, so nope, stabbing classes is not an option.
“Who owes me money?“
At that time, you want to be a creditor so bad, but then, you remember your rule — don’t borrow anyone money you can’t dash them. And since you’re not at that benevolent stage where you gift people money yet, no one owes you money, which unfortunately means that there’s no one to disturb.
“Is it bad if I drop out of school?“
Legend has it that Nigerian students fantasise about the idea of pulling a “Bill Gates” and/or “Mark Zuckerberg”, dropping out , discovering themselves, and possibly founding a billion dollar company only when they’re broke or get really bad grades in a course. So while you toyed with the idea of dropping out, you also remember that good ol’ Mark and Bill had something concrete to fall back to — something that can’t be said about you. No, you can’t drop out.
“I should have been more careful with money”
Yes, no kidding you should have. That “YOLO” lifestyle is not for everyone.
“We move“
After you’ve tried everything and still can’t find money, you realise that you’re really on your own and have to figure out something by yourself. You believe the dark period will pass, and if it doesn’t, well, hunger has not killed anybody you know yet, so we locomote.
