When ₦10,000 Is No Longer Enough: How DELSU Students Are Surviving Abraka’s Rising Cost of Living

Published

4 days ago

July 17, 2026

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?

Related Topics:2027 ABRAKA DELSU INFLATION

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Muslims Observe Eid al-Adha with Prayers, Charity, and Calls for Peace

Published

2 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Eddy Success

Thousands of Muslims across Nigeria gathered in mosques and designated prayer grounds to celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in Islam.

This reporter visited Erie Central Mosque, located along Akpakpava Road in Benin City, where worshippers joined other Muslims across the country in observing the festival. The celebration, marked by special congregational prayers, charitable acts, and the symbolic sacrifice of animals, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to obey Allah by sacrificing his son before Allah provided a ram in his place.

The day’s activities began early in the morning with Eid prayers led by Islamic scholars and Imams. During the sermons, worshippers were reminded of the importance of faith, obedience to Allah, humility, patience, and compassion for others. Religious leaders also encouraged Muslims to uphold honesty, justice, and peaceful coexistence in their daily lives.

Speaking after the prayers, the Chief Imam of the Benin Central Mosque emphasised that Eid al-Adha is not only a celebration but also an opportunity for self-reflection and service to humanity. He urged Muslims to extend kindness to the less privileged and to promote unity among people regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

Following the prayers, many families performed the ritual sacrifice of rams, goats, or cows in accordance with Islamic teachings. The meat was shared among family members, neighbours, and people in need, reflecting the Islamic values of generosity and social responsibility.

Several charitable organisations and Islamic groups also organised food distribution programmes, free medical outreaches, and support for orphanages and vulnerable households. Volunteers visited hospitals and correctional facilities, offering gifts, prayers, and words of encouragement to patients and inmates.

Many worshippers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the festival peacefully. Amina Yusuf, a Muslim resident of Benin City, described the occasion as a time of gratitude, sacrifice, and togetherness.

Another participant, Ibrahim Bello, said the festival serves as a reminder that true devotion to Allah is demonstrated through obedience, sacrifice, and care for others.

Security agencies maintained a visible presence at major prayer grounds to ensure the safety of worshippers, while traffic officials managed the movement of people and vehicles throughout the celebration.

As the festivities concluded, Islamic leaders called on citizens to continue promoting peace, tolerance, and national unity. They encouraged Muslims to uphold the teachings of Islam by showing love, respect, and generosity within their communities throughout the year.

The successful observance of Eid al-Adha once again highlighted the role of the Islamic faith in fostering spiritual growth, charitable giving, community service, and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians.

How Government Policies Continue To Shape Everyday Business In Nigeria

Published

2 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Weyinmi Oghoejafor

For millions of Nigerians, the economy is experienced long before it is discussed in newspapers or on television. Every visit to the market, every bus ride, every electricity bill, and every purchase reflects the current state of the country’s economy. Business owners, workers, students, and families all feel the effects of government policies that influence prices, employment opportunities, and the overall cost of living.

Across major cities and rural communities, traders say operating a business has become increasingly challenging. Rising fuel prices have increased the cost of transporting goods from farms and factories to markets. Shop owners who depend on generators because of unreliable electricity spend more on diesel and petrol, forcing many to raise the prices of their goods in order to remain in business.

Market surveys indicate that consumers are becoming more cautious with their spending as inflation continues to reduce purchasing power. Many families now prioritise essential needs such as food, transportation, medicine, and education while cutting back on non-essential purchases. This shift in consumer behaviour has affected sales for many small businesses.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. From neighbourhood POS operators and food vendors to fashion designers, mechanics, tailors, barbers, and online retailers, these businesses provide employment and income for millions of people. However, many entrepreneurs say that access to affordable loans, stable electricity, and good roads would enable them to expand their operations and employ more workers.

Economists explain that government policies on taxation, public spending, exchange rates, and monetary policy play a significant role in determining the business environment. Investments in roads, railways, ports, agriculture, education, and digital infrastructure can lower business costs, improve productivity, and attract both local and foreign investors. Consistent policies also give businesses the confidence to plan for long-term growth.

Despite the current economic challenges, young Nigerians continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation. Many have embraced digital entrepreneurship by selling products through platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Others have established businesses in agriculture, poultry farming, fish farming, graphic design, software development, photography, content creation, logistics, and phone repairs. These ventures not only generate income but also contribute to national economic development.

Financial analysts believe that reducing inflation, improving electricity supply, strengthening security, and supporting small businesses through affordable financing would significantly improve the country’s business environment. They also recommend greater transparency, policy consistency, and increased investment in education and skills development to prepare young people for a changing economy.

As Nigeria continues to pursue economic reforms, citizens remain hopeful that practical policies and responsible governance will create a stronger and more resilient economy. Business owners say that when operating costs are reduced, businesses can expand, employ more people, and offer products at more affordable prices. Many agree that sustainable economic growth depends on collaboration among the government, the private sector, and citizens working together toward the common goal of national development.

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DELSU Photo Festival Season 2 Celebrates Creativity Despite Heavy Rainfall

Published

2 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Blessing Alumona and Miracle Akpoyovwvayire

The second edition of the DELSU Photo Festival was held on July 17, 2026, in front of the university Sports Complex. Although the programme was originally scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., persistent rainfall delayed the event until about 2:00 p.m. A large canopy was provided to shield participants from the rain, while lively music entertained students as they arrived at the venue.

The event opened on a cheerful note with comedy and light-hearted remarks by Professor Odion Odiboh, creating an exciting atmosphere despite the weather. This was followed by the official opening address delivered by Comrade Regina Egbiamiye, President of the Department of Journalism. After her remarks, the pageantry segment commenced, with contestants representing the Departments of Mass Communication, Journalism, and Broadcasting showcasing their confidence and creativity. At the same time, judges assessed students’ photography projects while music kept the audience entertained.

One of the highlights of the festival was an interactive question-and-answer session that actively involved students and kept the audience engaged. Student union representatives, departmental executives, lecturers, and students participated throughout the programme, contributing to its lively and memorable atmosphere.

Speaking after the event, Faith Ogbotor, a 200-level Journalism student, described the festival as enjoyable and memorable. She said that although the heavy rainfall affected the programme, it did not prevent participants from having a rewarding experience.

Another participant, Tejiri Mathias, a Mass Communication student, also commended the event but expressed concerns about what he described as partiality during some of the games. He suggested that improvements could be made in future editions to ensure fairness.

The festival concluded with the announcement of winners from the three departments. Four students emerged as winners from the Department of Broadcasting, twelve from the Department of Journalism, and twenty-two from the Department of Mass Communication. Each department also selected three overall outstanding winners through a voting process, and the successful participants received awards in recognition of their performances.

The celebration ended with music, dancing, and the distribution of refreshments to students, lecturers, and student executives. The joyful atmosphere and shared moments of celebration brought the 2026 DELSU Photo Festival Season 2 to a successful and memorable conclusion for everyone in attendance.