As a student in present day Nigeria, one must properly manage one’s expenses so as not to end up starving or stranded. Gone are the days when student grants were to be found easily and Universities ensured the feeding of their students. Today, it is every student for him/herself from paying tuition, to seeking alternate accommodations, and most importantly, in feeding. It is the latter that concerns us here. Below are listed five cost effective meals that Nigerian students have adopted in offsetting expenses over the years.

1. Garri
Surely you must have expected this if you are indeed a Nigerian student. As a matter of fact, I believe many would agree with me that garri is now officially a Nigerian citizen. It has almost certainly earned that title. It is the go-to for many Nigerian students (and non-students even) in times of economic crisis. Some even love it so much that they would still indulge even after an alternative meal (believe me I know). The best part, you don’t need much to get it going; just add sugar, groundnut, and water, and your meal is ready.



2. Bread/beans
Not as popular as garri but still worth making the list. Yes, it takes a lot of time to prepare beans, but Nigerian students just love it so much they won’t give up because of the time frame for cooking, especially when there is bread just around the corner. Personally, I know of someone Nigerian hostels where beans (and something if not bread) is the major food of choice. Step into such hostels at any time and you are almost certain to be greeted with the aroma of beans being prepared somewhere. Due to its not so expensive price, some students tend to simply buy the already prepared one to save time. And believe me, it keeps you full for a long time. But beware though, you might just feel like sleeping through that lecture.


3. Oiled Rice/beans
Our very own concution, this is also a very popular choice among Nigerian students. Easy to prepare, and not requiring a lot of ingredients, the concution rice (or rice and beans) is the perfect meal before running to that class. Some enjoy it to the extent they have improvised different ways of preparation. But whichever way you prepare it, you could just add egg and fried plantain and you’ll feel on top of the world.


4. Noodles
Well, this is not a fail safe cost effective option (especially in recent times). However, every Nigerian student would value a 3 minute meal. With the schedule of classes, assignments and practical obligations, the noodles comes in very handy when time is of essence. This has made it a favorite of students, and you are certain to find the wrappers of noodles littering almost any and every Nigerian hostel.



5. Okro and any swallow
Well, Nigerians do love their swallows, don’t they? And which soup is cheaper than Okro? Easy to prepare and also not requiring a lot of ingredients, the Okro soup has slowly wormed its way into the hearts of Nigerian students. When all you have can only fetch you 2 square meals a day, you must make a wise choice. And preparing Okro soup is almost always a wise choice. With your semo, amala, or eba, it is certain to cover your food needs twice in a day.



So feel free to add yours, but don’t say yam or fruits, else I will know you haven’t been to the market recently.

Originally posted here: http://blog.mypadi.ng/5-cost-effective-meals-nigerian-students-love/

Lol