By Muyiwa Olaoye
As the economic downturn worsens, students are feeling the pinch, with many resorting to unconventional means to support their families and themselves. With the end of the session approaching, some students are eager to join their parents in hustling, while others are uncertain about returning to school next term due to unpaid school fees.
In a bid to contribute to their family’s income, some students are venturing into cryptocurrency and forex trading, seeking training in digital business to make ends meet. While this may seem enterprising, it poses significant risks, including the potential for cybercrime if not properly guided.
Others, mostly female students, are engaging in informal trading at school, selling items ranging from snacks to personal products. While this entrepreneurial spirit is commendable, it also carries the risk of distracting from their studies.
Unfortunately, some students have resorted to outright begging, soliciting transport fare or food money at bus stops or on the streets. This desperate measure is not only demeaning but also fraught with risks.
The government must intervene to mitigate the effects of this economic hardship on students, ensuring that their future is protected. As the adage goes, “book studied with an empty stomach is a waste of time,” and equally, “book studied with a distracted or heavy mind” is equally futile.
