FUTO Freshman Recounts Ordeal of Hunger, Illness and Isolation After Securing Admission

A first-year student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri has shared a distressing account of how severe hunger, isolation and health complications nearly derailed her academic journey shortly after gaining admission in 2024.

The undergraduate described her admission into the technology-focused institution as a long-awaited breakthrough — “the beginning of something good.” But what began with optimism soon descended into a painful struggle marked by emotional strain, financial hardship and medical emergencies that tested her endurance.

Relocating from her home state to Owerri, the student said the geographical distance compounded the shock of transitioning into university life. Although her mother accompanied her for registration and initial settling-in procedures, the departure that followed marked a turning point.

“When my mother left, I realized I was completely on my own,” she recalled, describing the abrupt shift from a structured family environment to independent living.

According to her, adjusting to a new city while managing academic expectations and limited finances created a psychological burden she had not anticipated. The early weeks were further complicated by cultural and linguistic barriers. She disclosed that communication within her hostel proved challenging, particularly as she did not understand the dominant local language, Igbo.

“Some of the hostel porters were unfriendly, and I could not even communicate properly,” she said, noting that the experience gradually eroded her confidence and deepened her sense of isolation.

Without an established peer support network, she struggled quietly to balance lectures and survival. Several months into the session, her situation worsened as her financial resources became depleted, triggering prolonged food insecurity.

“There were times I stayed for three days without eating,” she revealed, explaining that she relied largely on water and extended sleep to suppress hunger.

The prolonged deprivation soon manifested in serious health complications. She was later diagnosed with an ulcer, which she attributes to sustained fasting and stress. The condition, she said, continues to affect her wellbeing.

Beyond recounting her ordeal, the student offered words of caution to prospective undergraduates, urging them to develop income-generating skills before resuming school. She warned that exclusive dependence on parental support can leave students vulnerable when remittances are delayed.

“I learned the hard way that having a skill — something that can generate even a small income — can make a significant difference,” she said.

She also disclosed that she would later confront another major health challenge, including a brain tumour diagnosis, details of which she plans to share in due course.

Her experience underscores broader concerns surrounding student welfare, mental health support and financial vulnerability within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Observers note that beneath the visible academic environment, many undergraduates face silent battles that often go unnoticed.