Have you ever paused to think about how your diet has been over the past few days? Campus life is so fast-paced that we rarely take a moment to reflect on the things that truly matter. Very few students pay attention to their health until they fall seriously ill—and then, they post the cliché “Health is Wealth” on their WhatsApp status. Many hardly think about what they eat, even though diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. You might be shocked to learn that most students have snacked more often than they’ve eaten an actual meal in recent days—and that’s a recipe for malnutrition.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), malnutrition refers to deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalances of essential nutrients, or impaired nutrient utilisation. It exists in two forms: undernutrition and overnutrition (obesity or being overweight). In this part of the world, however, undernutrition remains the more pressing problem.
Nigeria faces a serious malnutrition crisis. We see malnourished children on our streets daily, and the statistics are just as alarming. According to the 2024 Report on Food Security and Nutrition, 39.4 million Nigerians were undernourished in 2023, while 49.4 million were severely food insecure during the same period. The 2020 Nigerian Protein Deficiency Report identified poverty and the high cost of protein-rich foods as major causes of protein deficiency, noting that nearly half of Nigeria’s population fails to meet their daily protein requirement.
Bringing the issue closer to home, the average university student’s diet consists mostly of snacks and carbonated drinks. These are convenient and easily accessible, but they lack essential nutrients. When consumed habitually—as is the case for many students—they lead to malnutrition.
Students, of course, have their reasons. “Who has time to cook when I have classes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.?” they argue. The demanding academic schedule often leaves little room for proper meal planning. Snacks are readily available on every corner of campus, making them the go-to option. Financial constraints also play a huge role. Healthy food options are often more expensive than processed snacks or fast food, so students naturally gravitate toward cheaper, quicker alternatives. Even when they choose to eat at cafeterias, those establishments often prioritise profit over nutritional value. Clearly, the situation is not straightforward. But if we truly believe that health is wealth, then we must find ways to change it.
The first step toward overcoming poor nutrition is intentionality—a conscious decision to take control of what you eat. This starts with preparing your own meals. It may sound like a daunting task, but setting aside an hour or two on weekends to chop vegetables and cook a large batch of stew can save time during the week. Aim to eat at least three balanced meals a day, including staples like rice, beans, and potatoes. Avoid skipping meals, no matter how busy your schedule is. Cut down on carbonated drinks and opt for water or tea instead.
Malnutrition has serious consequences for students. Poor nutrition doesn’t just affect the body; it also affects the mind. It can reduce concentration, impair learning, and weaken the immune system—making one more susceptible to illness. Falling sick as a student can be disastrous, especially in an academic environment where everything moves quickly and catching up is hard.
Malnutrition, therefore, is not a passive problem—it’s an active enemy. And like every enemy, it must be fought deliberately, one healthy meal at a time.
