A video circulating on social media has sparked widespread condemnation among Nigerians, revealing the substandard meals provided at a boarding school participating in the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP). This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Shared by journalist Rufai Oseni on his X account with the caption “A school in Nigeria,” the footage shows kitchen staff serving a dark, watery liquid-presumably soup-into numerous plates arranged on a table. Alongside these are portions of either ‘eba’ or ‘semovita,’ while visibly hungry students await their meals.
The poor quality of the food provoked strong reactions from viewers, many of whom expressed their frustration and disappointment in the comments section.
Some users accused school officials of misappropriating funds intended to ensure nutritious meals for the pupils, while others criticized the government for misleading the public about the effectiveness of the free school feeding program in enhancing children’s health and nutrition.
Here are a few reactions from social media users:
@NewBen82:
“What is this? Nigeria is failing these innocent children at such a tender age. Will they ever recover from this mental and physical neglect?
Someone is accountable for this injustice-leaders have diverted funds meant to nourish these future leaders so their minds can flourish.
Nigeria has become a ruthless wilderness.”
@ipledgetoNigeria:
“The bottom line is that anything goes in Nigeria. There’s no transparency or accountability. Wrongdoers face no consequences if they’re connected to the right people.
Consequently, parents end up praising those who oppress their children.”
@anasuachara:
“This looks like colored water served with eba. You’d be shocked to learn how many billions were supposedly spent on this pathetic meal.”
@MrOzoh1:
“Put this side by side with what children deserve, and it’s clear we’re living in a nightmare. Yet some still defend this disgrace.”
@Flourish007:
“Regardless of political views, we must admit our education system is in ruins. The government must act swiftly to reform it, as this situation is nothing short of abuse.”
@Adaete1:
“Malnutrition is evident. These kids will grow up with impaired brain development, struggle academically, and end up engaging in pointless arguments online.”
@DRealMagnus:
“Is this a government or private school? It looks like a boarding facility. If private, the principal should be held accountable. If government-run, sadly, this is the norm.
It’s heartbreaking, and I question why parents entrust their children to such institutions.”
@vonasc:
“I thought the government claimed to have disbursed 330 billion Naira to these children and their families? Nigeria’s population is about 200 million, yet the APC government says 330 billion was shared among 8.1 million people. By that math, every Nigerian should have received 1.5 million Naira.”
@RealMrKay:
“Older generations will tell these kids they’re lucky to witness this nonsense, insisting they had nothing like this during their time. Only a revolution can reset Nigeria.”
@Indokhem:
“This has been the reality for a long time. Visit most government boarding schools, and you won’t believe the food served. My NYSC experience opened my eyes to the corruption and cruelty involved.”
@AhiaWolf:
“There’s no genuine school supervision in Nigeria-only bribery. How else could this school be allowed to operate? Boarding schools nationwide need regular inspections and student welfare checks.”
@OlanusiAkin:
“Then the Federal Government will claim to have spent 500 billion Naira on the school feeding program. Who exactly are they fooling?”
@MaryLifted:
“This is shocking. How did we let things deteriorate to this extent? This school must be investigated and closed. These children should not be treated like prisoners.”
