Students Resort To Trading Personal Property To Survive Amidst Hardship

Students Resort To Trading Personal Property To Survive Amidst Hardship

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Gone are the days when university students returned to their dormitories flaunting cash and lavish home appliances, symbolizing their affluent lifestyles.

Today, many parents or guardians find it increasingly challenging to maintain a decent standard of living, let alone provide for their children or wards.

Economy & Lifestyle investigations reveal that students in tertiary institutions are now compelled to sell off some of their household appliances and electronic gadgets to sustain themselves during tough times.

According to Osazuwa Akinola, a student, they acquire these gadgets at discounted rates using their spare funds, while those in need of cash sell off their possessions to meet financial obligations.

He lamented, “It’s truly disheartening to witness fellow students struggling to obtain food and survive in this harsh economic climate.

“The economic downturn is taking its toll on our parents and guardians, and inevitably, it affects us too.

“In the past, some of my peers would arrive at the hostel laden with bags of groceries and other amenities that eased our living. However, the skyrocketing cost of food has put an end to such scenarios.

“Moreover, businesses around the school premises exacerbate the situation. They perceive students as having disposable income and thus hike prices when selling to them.

“They fail to realize that the economic challenges faced by parents and guardians also impact us directly.

“As a result, many of us resort to purchasing second-hand household items and appliances such as beds, refrigerators, cupboards, gas cylinders, and televisions from graduating students.

“These items are subsequently auctioned on popular e-commerce platforms frequented by students, and the proceeds are utilized to cover various expenses.

“However, some students who initially brought these gadgets from home are compelled to sell them at reduced prices during times of need.”

Miss Lovet Momoh, a second-year student, shared her ordeal, expressing her initial hopes for a comfortable standard of living upon gaining admission in late 2022. However, her father’s demise and the prevailing economic conditions shattered her aspirations.

She recounted, “I entered university with high hopes of enjoying a lavish lifestyle. However, my father’s passing and the financial burden fell upon my mother’s brother, who assumed responsibility for my education.

“I never anticipated facing such difficulties. I feel too embarrassed to approach him for minor needs.

“I observed my peers engaging in trading used items acquired from graduating students, and I decided to follow suit.

“I began purchasing second-hand items with my pocket money and reselling them online at a profit.

“As we witness the continuous rise in the prices of goods and services, the value of used items also escalates. This has become my survival strategy while in school.

“May God help us all navigate through these challenging times.”