“I had to sell my car battery to feed family” — Nigerian lecturer laments hardship
In a poignant reflection of the current economic struggles facing many Nigerians, a lecturer has shared his heartbreaking experience of financial hardship in a viral video on social media.
The academic, who holds a PhD, candidly expressed the dire situation he and his family are enduring, illustrating the severe impact of the country’s economic realities.
In the video, the lecturer, whose identity has not been disclosed, detailed his struggles to make ends meet. “I am a lecturer. I am a doctor. Right now, I don’t have up to 30,000 naira, not in the bank and not in my pocket. Three days ago, when I wanted to feed my family, I had to sell my car battery,” he lamented.
His words encapsulated the desperation felt by many in the academic sector, particularly those who have dedicated their lives to education yet find themselves in precarious financial situations.
The lecturer’s heartfelt statements have sparked a wave of reactions online, with many expressing sympathy and solidarity.
Mabel Ogonnaya Andrew highlighted the unpredictability of life, reminding others to be grateful for their circumstances and to empathize with those in hardship.
“People asking him what he has been doing with money should pray not to be in this type of situation; life will humble you,” said Andrew.
Another commentator, Nuhu Murtala Abdullahi Kayarda, shared his admiration for the lecturer, recalling his humble nature and kindness during his time as an undergraduate. He referred to the lecturer affectionately as “dan Alannah,” emphasizing his compassion and moral character.
“Wallahii, I knew Dr. Za6awi since before he even became a doctor. The lecturer is a God-fearing person and so simple and gentle. We called him ‘dan Alannah’ because of his sympathy, concern, and reasoning.”
“It is well with us… That’s why some lecturers that lack integrity use to extort. Allah ya kawo mana sauki.”
Hamza Umar Srknomatbw pointed out that the lecturer’s message was not one of begging but rather a call to raise awareness about the deteriorating conditions in the country.
He recalled previous hardships experienced by lecturers during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari when there were delays in salary payments, which compounded the struggles due to rising inflation.
“For those that think he is begging, they have misunderstood him; he is trying to let you understand the condition of the country. This video might be old during Buhari’s government when he stopped paying lecturers for months. Lecturers suffered, and also the mighty recent one, as a result of inflation. Please always be positive; if you are not suffering, it doesn’t mean nobody is suffering.”
Ugonna Ijeoma expressed concern over the state of academia in Nigeria, lamenting that the country has reduced its scholars to such lowly circumstances. He noted that some of the blame lies with fellow academics who, in pursuit of political alliances, may have contributed to the nation’s current plight.
“It’s unfortunate that this country has reduced our academics to this lowest level. But it’s still his fellow lecturers that put us in this. They joined the politicians to bring our nation on her knees.”
