By Faith Omafuakpore

For students who rely on monthly allowances from parents and guardians, budgeting has become less about saving and more about survival.

On paper, ₦10,000 may still seem like a reasonable amount of money. In reality, however, it disappears almost as quickly as it arrives.

For many students of Delta State University (DELSU), ₦10,000 was once enough to comfortably cover several days—or even a week—of living expenses in Abraka. In 2026, that same amount barely stretches as far as it once did.

With rising food prices, increasing transportation costs, soaring accommodation fees, and the general increase in the cost of living, students are constantly forced to make difficult financial decisions. The question is no longer how to spend money wisely, but how to make limited funds last.

Across Abraka, inflation has transformed student life.

Meals that sold for between ₦500 and ₦700 just a year ago now cost between ₦1,200 and ₦2,000, depending on the location, portion size, and type of meal. Everyday essentials—from toiletries to cooking ingredients—have also become significantly more expensive.

“When people hear ₦10,000, they think it’s a lot,” says Edith, a second-year Anatomy student.

“But after buying food and data, you hardly have anything left.”

Her experience reflects the reality of many DELSU students whose allowances can no longer keep pace with rising prices.

Despite its reduced value, ₦10,000 can still meet some basic student needs.

It can provide approximately five to seven modest meals at student-friendly restaurants, provided no extra drinks or side dishes are added. For students who cook, the amount can purchase basic groceries such as rice, noodles, eggs, bread, sachet water, vegetables, and cooking ingredients that may last several days if carefully managed.

The money may also cover transportation between off-campus residences and lecture halls for a few days, internet subscriptions for academic work, photocopying lecture materials, and other minor academic expenses.

For students who budget carefully, every naira must serve a purpose.

The limitations become painfully obvious when larger expenses arise.

Accommodation remains one of the greatest financial burdens. Rent in many parts of Abraka has increased dramatically, with some single rooms now costing well above ₦150,000 per year. For many students, ₦10,000 represents only a small fraction of what is needed to secure housing.

The amount is also insufficient to make any meaningful contribution toward school fees, which vary across faculties and departments but generally amount to tens of thousands of naira each academic session.

Unexpected expenses—including medical emergencies, textbooks, laboratory materials, departmental dues, project costs, and practical fees—can consume far more than ₦10,000 in a single day.

As a result, what once seemed like a useful amount of money has become inadequate for meeting students’ growing financial needs.

The effects of inflation extend far beyond students’ wallets.

Financial pressure has changed the way many students live and study. Some now skip meals to save money, while others take on part-time jobs or run small businesses alongside their academic responsibilities. Many have reduced social activities, not by choice but by necessity.

Although these coping strategies help students survive, they often come at a cost. Balancing work with academic demands can reduce study time, increase fatigue, and negatively affect academic performance.

By the end of many weeks, students find themselves borrowing money from friends or calling home for additional financial support.

“I now write down every expense,” says Maureen, a final-year Mass Communication student.

“If I don’t plan my spending, the money is gone before I even realize it.”

Her experience illustrates how budgeting has become an essential survival skill rather than simply a financial habit.

Faced with rising living costs, DELSU students have developed practical strategies to stretch every naira.

Many now prepare their own meals instead of eating at restaurants, purchase food items in bulk, share accommodation with roommates, and maintain strict weekly budgets. Others walk considerable distances instead of paying for transportation, choosing to endure long treks in order to save money for more pressing needs.

Within student hostels, conversations are increasingly centered on survival tips—from identifying the most affordable food vendors to discovering where groceries can be bought at lower prices. Information about discounts and cheaper alternatives is exchanged almost as frequently as lecture notes.

These strategies may not eliminate the effects of inflation, but they demonstrate the resilience and resourcefulness of students determined to complete their education despite difficult economic conditions.

For today’s DELSU student, ₦10,000 can still provide meals, transportation, internet access, and a few essential daily necessities—but only for a limited time. It falls far short of covering major expenses such as accommodation, tuition, textbooks, or emergencies.

As the cost of living continues to rise, surviving in Abraka requires far more than money. It demands careful planning, financial discipline, resilience, and constant sacrifice.

The experiences of students reveal a broader concern about the affordability of higher education in Nigeria. When a significant portion of a student’s energy is devoted to worrying about the next meal, transportation fare, or rent payment, learning inevitably suffers.

As Abraka continues to evolve alongside Nigeria’s economic realities, one important question remains: How much more can students be expected to stretch before the struggle to survive begins to undermine the very education they came to pursue?

By Bamidele Funmi Precious

A text message goes unanswered. A friend disappears without explanation. A family member cuts off communication after a disagreement. Someone publicly humiliates another person, then defends the act with a familiar refrain: “I don’t owe anybody anything.”

Once dismissed as a casual expression of indifference, the phrase has quietly evolved into a cultural mantra. It echoes through social media posts, relationship advice, podcasts, and everyday conversations, often celebrated as the language of freedom, self-care, and emotional independence.

But beneath its confident tone lies a troubling question: When did freedom become the right to abandon responsibility?

People are rightly encouraged to protect their peace, establish healthy boundaries, and prioritize their well-being. Much of this advice is both necessary and beneficial. Healthy boundaries are not signs of selfishness; they are essential for emotional and psychological health.

Yet somewhere along the way, the conversation shifted.

The language of boundaries began to shelter something entirely different—the belief that personal freedom removes every obligation to the people around us. Independence gradually became confused with exemption from responsibility.

To say that we owe one another something is not to argue for entitlement. Entitlement demands what has not been earned and often expects more than justice requires. Moral obligation is different. It asks only for the minimum standards that make genuine human relationships possible.

The distinction matters because relationships do not survive on affection alone. They endure through responsibility.

The moment two lives intersect—as friends, siblings, neighbours, classmates, colleagues, or partners—a quiet moral expectation comes into existence. It is neither ownership nor control. It is simply the responsibility to treat another human being with dignity.

That responsibility is expressed through ordinary acts that rarely make headlines but quietly shape everyday life: telling the truth even when it is uncomfortable; listening before making accusations; choosing words that heal rather than wound; acknowledging the impact of our actions instead of dismissing them.

Without these simple obligations, relationships become transactions sustained only by convenience rather than commitment.

Perhaps this explains why the declaration, “I don’t owe anybody anything,” is more dangerous than it first appears.

When people genuinely believe they owe nothing, apologies become optional. Explanations become unnecessary. Others are wounded, yet their pain is dismissed under the banner of “protecting my peace.”

What is often presented as confidence may, in reality, be moral withdrawal.

Freedom has never meant the absence of responsibility. Every civilized society is built upon duties that individuals owe one another—not because they are forced to fulfill them, but because our shared humanity demands it.

Respect is owed.

Honesty is owed.

Fairness is owed.

The willingness to hear another person’s story before passing judgment is owed.

These are not extravagant demands. They are the basic ethics of coexistence.

This understanding is hardly new. The Apostle Paul captured it with remarkable clarity when he wrote, “Owe no one anything, except to love one another.” Rather than denying obligation, the statement elevates love as the highest responsibility from which every other moral duty naturally flows.

Similarly, C. S. Lewis observed:

“Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbour; act as if you did.”

His insight reminds us that our humanity is measured less by what we feel than by how we choose to behave.

Modern culture often celebrates radical independence as the highest form of personal growth. Yet the healthiest communities have never been built by individuals who believed they owed nobody anything. They have always been built by people who understood that freedom and responsibility are not opposing forces but inseparable companions.

Perhaps, then, the true measure of maturity is not how little we owe others, but how faithfully we honour the responsibilities that accompany every meaningful relationship.

No, you may not owe another person perfection.

You may not owe them unlimited access to your life.

You may not owe them agreement in every disagreement.

But if you choose to call someone your friend, your neighbour, your colleague, or your family, you owe them something far more fundamental.

You owe them your humanity.

And that has never been too much to ask.

By Ofure Oyeribhor

At dawn in Abraka, the town slowly awakens to the familiar rhythm of student life. Motorcycles begin to fill the roads, food vendors set up their stalls, and students of Delta State University (DELSU) prepare for another day of lectures. Yet beneath this daily routine lies a growing concern that many students silently carry—the struggle to survive the rising cost of accommodation.

For many undergraduates, education is no longer only about attending lectures and passing examinations. It is also about finding a place to live that is both affordable and conducive to learning. In recent years, the cost of renting accommodation in Abraka has increased significantly, placing immense financial pressure on students and their families.

What were once considered manageable accommodation fees have now become a major burden. Rooms that were previously affordable are increasingly beyond the reach of many students. As a result, students are forced to make difficult choices: sharing overcrowded rooms, living far from campus, or spending a substantial portion of their allowances simply to secure shelter.

The Growing Burden of Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the most essential needs of every student, second only to tuition and other academic expenses. However, within the Delta State University (DELSU) community, the rising cost of rent has become a major source of stress and uncertainty. Many students report that landlords significantly increase rental fees during renewal periods, leaving them with little choice but to either pay the higher amount or vacate their apartments.

For students from low- and middle-income families, the situation is particularly challenging. Parents and guardians who already struggle to meet the costs of tuition, transportation, feeding, and educational materials are now confronted with soaring accommodation expenses. For many households, these cumulative financial demands have become overwhelming.

As a result, students are increasingly forced to compromise their comfort, health, and overall well-being just to remain in school. Overcrowded living conditions have become common, with several students sharing rooms originally designed for one or two occupants. Such arrangements reduce privacy, make adequate rest difficult, and create environments that are far from conducive to effective learning. Ultimately, the rising cost of accommodation is affecting not only students’ finances but also their academic performance and quality of life.

Causes of Rising Rent in Abraka

Several factors have contributed to the steady increase in rent around Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

One of the primary reasons is the growing student population. As more students gain admission into the university each year, the demand for accommodation continues to rise. However, the supply of university hostels and private apartments has not expanded at the same pace, creating a shortage that drives up rental prices.

Another significant factor is the increasing cost of building materials and construction. Essential materials such as cement, iron rods, roofing sheets, and blocks have become considerably more expensive, making it costlier for landlords and property developers to build or renovate houses. These additional expenses are often transferred to tenants through higher rental charges.

Inflation and Nigeria’s broader economic challenges have also contributed to the situation. As the cost of living continues to rise, landlords frequently adjust rental fees to reflect prevailing economic realities.

Furthermore, the limited availability of university-owned hostels has pushed a large proportion of students into the private housing market, where rental prices are largely determined by demand and supply, with little or no regulation.

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Effects on Students’ Academic and Social Life

The impact of rising rent extends far beyond financial hardship. It has significant consequences for students’ academic performance, mental well-being, and social lives.

Many students who can no longer afford accommodation close to campus are forced to live in distant neighborhoods. As a result, they wake up very early each day to attend lectures, often arriving tired and less able to concentrate during classes.

Those living in overcrowded apartments face additional challenges. Constant noise, limited personal space, and a lack of privacy create environments that are not conducive to studying, making it difficult to prepare adequately for tests and examinations.

The financial pressure associated with rising rent also takes an emotional toll. Instead of focusing fully on their education, many students find themselves worrying about rent deadlines, transportation costs, feeding, and other basic living expenses.

In extreme cases, students reduce spending on essential academic materials—or even skip meals—in order to save enough money to pay their rent. Such sacrifices can negatively affect both their health and academic performance.

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Coping Strategies Adopted by Students

Despite these challenges, many students have developed practical ways to cope with the increasing cost of accommodation.

Some choose to share apartments with friends in order to split rental expenses, while others relocate to more affordable neighborhoods farther away from campus, despite the added transportation costs.

A growing number of students have also taken up part-time jobs or started small businesses to supplement their income. Others earn money through social media and digital platforms by engaging in online sales, tutoring, content creation, graphic design, and freelance services.

Although these strategies demonstrate students’ resilience and determination, they also highlight the extent to which many undergraduates must struggle simply to remain in school.

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Students Speak

The experiences of students reveal just how deeply the rising cost of accommodation affects their daily lives.

Judith’s Experience

Judith, a 300-level student in the Faculty of Social Sciences, shared her ordeal:

“My rent was increased, and there was no running water in my house, so I had to look for another apartment that was cheaper. It was very stressful finding another place, and it affected me academically, financially, and emotionally. The rent increase was over my budget, and I also had to pay a consultation fee before even getting to see the apartment.”

Judith’s experience reflects the reality faced by many students who are forced to relocate because of rising rental costs and poor living conditions.

Jessica’s Experience

Jessica, a 300-level student in the Faculty of Arts, also described the emotional burden of rising accommodation costs:

“The increase in rent affected me emotionally. My younger sister and I live together, and my parents have to pay both my school fees and hers. When my landlord increased the rent, I had to look for a place that was not too far from school so we could reduce transportation costs.”

Her story illustrates how rising rent affects not only students but also their families, who are already struggling to meet numerous educational expenses.

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Personal Experience

As a student of Delta State University, I have personally experienced the effects of rising accommodation costs.

During my second year (200 Level), I struggled to secure affordable housing after rental prices increased. To manage the financial burden, I had to adjust my budget and eventually share a room with two other students.

Although this arrangement reduced costs, it came with its own challenges. Living with multiple roommates often led to misunderstandings, disagreements, and emotional stress. Maintaining peace while balancing academic responsibilities was not always easy.

My experience reflects the reality faced by many DELSU students who are forced to sacrifice comfort, privacy, and peace of mind simply to remain enrolled in school.

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The Need for Lasting Solutions

The rising cost of accommodation around Delta State University raises important concerns about student welfare and equal access to higher education. If the trend continues unchecked, it could negatively affect students’ academic success, mental health, and overall university experience.

Addressing this challenge requires the collective efforts of the university administration, government agencies, private investors, and community stakeholders.

One practical solution is the construction of more affordable university-owned hostels to reduce pressure on the private housing market. The government and private developers can also collaborate to provide quality, student-friendly accommodation at reasonable prices.

There is equally a need for policies that discourage excessive and arbitrary rent increases in student-dominated communities. While landlords have legitimate business interests, rental pricing should remain fair and considerate of students’ financial realities.

In addition, expanding scholarship opportunities, student housing schemes, and financial aid programmes would help reduce the economic burden on students and their families.

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Conclusion

The rising cost of accommodation in Abraka has become one of the most pressing challenges facing students of Delta State University. What should be a period devoted to learning, personal growth, and academic excellence is increasingly overshadowed by the daily struggle to secure affordable housing.

The experiences of students like Judith, Jessica, and countless others demonstrate that rising rent is more than an economic issue—it is an educational and social concern that directly affects students’ well-being, academic performance, and future opportunities.

As someone who has personally faced these challenges, I understand the emotional and financial strain that comes with searching for affordable accommodation. No student should have to sacrifice their education, peace of mind, or basic comfort simply because decent housing has become unaffordable.

Ensuring access to safe, affordable accommodation is not merely about providing shelter; it is about creating an environment where students can thrive academically and achieve their full potential. With coordinated action from the university, government, landlords, and other stakeholders, meaningful solutions can be found, allowing students to focus less on survival and more on the education they came to pursue.