Food! It goes without saying that this is an essential part of the average person’s life—and even more so for a University of Lagos student. A well-fed brain is sharper, a nourished body moves better, and consistent meals help keep your mood steady when Unilag wants your head on a platter. I’ve written this blog with cheapness, nutritional value, and time-optimising qualities in mind. The meal of a student should be balanced—that is, it should include a source of carbohydrate, protein, a bit of fat, and plenty of vitamins.
Carbs now
Plantains taste awesome and provide energy as carbohydrates. But they are expensive now as they are not in season so let's hold our horses.
Potatoes on the other hand are not only delicieux but are also relatively cheap! You could get about five tubers with a N1000 note! Mash them, fry them, roast them—either way, they’re delicious and energy-packed.
Yams are not bad (not a personal favourite though except it's boiled and pounded). They can also be pricey but hey, if you can afford it, why not?
Riceeeee. I'm not actually that excited, I'm not a rice fan. But I don't judge the rest of you. Carry on with spooning those white tasteless seeds into your mouths.
Bread. Do I even need to say much? Man shalt not live by bread alone, but the bread cannot be excludeth.
Spaghetti(ni). I judge the rest of you eating thick worms when you can eat thin worms. Spaghettini for the winni!
Garri. The Big Boss. Words cannot suffice to describe the majesty of this magnificent foodstuff. As eba for soup, as accompaniment for beans, slaps any way, any day, any time.
Proteins.
Eggsss. I love those things. You can do a lot with eggs and they are not only inexpensive but nourishing and taste good.
If you want fish but frozen titus is too expensive, you can go to Bokku and buy canned mackerel (fancy phrase for Geisha or Titus sardines)—an excellent plus to your stews or pasta.
Or just buy meat from those roadside butchers if you have the money. And if you're extremely wealthy, frozen turkey or chicken or fish.
Beans are another affordable source of protein, especially when paired with garri or rice. Even moimoi or akara from street vendors can pack some decent protein for little cash.
Fats and Oils.
Palm oil, oil from fish, vegetable oil—all valid sources of fat. But go a bit easy on the oil. Too much oil can cause weight gain, increase cholesterol levels, and raise the risk of heart disease. Balance is key.
Groundnuts and coconut bits are also sources of healthy fat and can be good snacks or meal additions.
Vitamins and Minerals.
Fruits! Oranges, apples, watermelon, pineapples, bananas (and groundnuts—heavenly combo). Fruits are not only a healthy source of sugar but are also nourishing to the body. They help with digestion, boost immunity, hydrate the body, and keep your skin glowing.
Leafy greens like ugu, waterleaf, and bitter leaf added to stews and soups can do wonders for your vitamin intake. You don't always have to eat fruits raw—chop some into oats or yoghurt, blend a smoothie, or snack in between classes.
Water.
Don't forget to drink at least eight cups of water everyday! That clear skin you're looking for, drinking water will help you get it. It will flush out toxins, boost your energy levels and it will help you with not having constipation.
Combos now.
Yam and egg sauce.
Rice and vegetables like ugu and waterleaf and meat.
Spaghetti and stew with mackerel and a boiled egg.
Ol' garri and sugar and groundnuts.
Level Up With Sauce (Even On A Budget)
You don’t need to be well-to-do to make a well-to-eat sauce. Just be kitchen-smart:
Add crayfish or stockfish for that depth.
Throw in panla or locust beans (if you like the smell—it’s... polarising).
Try prawns (I haven’t, but they sound fancy right?).
Use any other affordable market goodies that look and taste nice.
Hack: Sprinkle ugwu on your spaghetti. Eat boiled egg with eba. Try bread and egusi—who’s going to stop you?
Other combos worth trying:
Custard or pap with akara or moimoi.
Beans and sweet potatoes.
Fried plantain and eggs (if you feel rich).
Toasted bread and avocado (yum and healthy).
Final Exhortation.
DON'T YOU DARE SKIP BREAKFAST. You have an 8am class till ten and you'll have another immediately after till 12. And you really want your brain to run on vibes and low blood sugar? Tsk. Shame, for shame. You do better when your poor brain has something to work with whilst cracking that Cobb-Douglas equation. As economists, we optimise and maximise benefits *insert nodding head emoji.
Foods like custard or pap, bread and butter, fruits—even gari—are easy to fix to have before a morning class. Skipping breakfast affects memory and learning, leads to low energy and focus, messes with your metabolism, and is probably why you feel tired and have mood swings.
Being a student doesn't mean you have to eat poorly. With a little creativity, market sense, and kitchen hacks, you can eat tasty, nourishing, affordable meals that keep you alive and thriving—body, brain, and belly. So go forth, my scholarly foodies, and conquer that pot!
~ Temiloluwa Oluwagbemiga