By Shamsudeen Abubakar
For students who don’t have the time to cook, fast food has changed from more than satisfaction to a life-saver. What was once just a quick fix for hunger has become a culinary delight for some students . Beyond saving hunger, many fast foods double as the Northern cultural merriments exhibition highlighting their local talents.
This article takes you on a journey to explore the top five life-saving fast foods that are indispensable at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS). Each dish has its unique value, created to students from different ethnic backgrounds.
Dankali da Awara (Potatoes and Tofu)
Dankali da Awara has been a lifeguard and lifesaver for UDUS students, offering a unique taste with a peppery kick that drives away hunger in 3-minutes. For just N500, students can satisfy their hunger in no time with sachets of water and a delicious serving of Dankali da Awara.
Benji Hostel, School Mini Mart, and Jubril Aminu Hostel Mini Mart are just a few places where you can find this students’ favourite. Even bikemen and some lecturers can’t resist the allurement of this life-saver dish.
“Dankali da Awara is a lifeguard we hold dear in UDUS. It quickly drives hunger and saves time from cooking, especially when you’re late to school,” Shuaibu noted.
Cassava Flake (Garri) with Groundnuts
Cassava Flake, also known as Garri with Groundnuts, has also taken over the UDUS food scene by storm. This masterful combination of cassava flakes and groundnuts has become a staple for students from all ethnic backgrounds.
With over a thousand students, cassava flakes are a go-to for anyone looking to connect with UDUS cuisine in exciting ways, known for its record-breaking popularity. Students praise cassava flakes and Groundnuts as “a testament to the beauty of local Nigerian students’ comfort food.” With its fluffy yet firm texture, this dish pairs perfectly with Groundnuts or cashew nuts.
The location of cassava flakes at the School Mini Mart, Hostel Mini Mart, Benji Hostel, and nearby villages makes it easily accessible for Danfoidtes. Its recommendation ensures that anyone seeking an authentic student-driven meal should add it to the list of top fast life savers.
Gurasa and Vegetables
Gurasa is a cosy food found at the school mini Mart that offers a delicious escape from the hustle and bustle of lectures and school time -time hunger. When combined with the stylish stew with a minimalist vibe, Gurasa makes students feel at home.
This menu is a treat, with various merriments to suit every taste. You will find the perfect blend of Tofu (Awara) and vegetables, expertly mixed with Gurasa. Whether you’re a Gurasa lover or just looking for a great taste mixed with local vegetables, the Top Gurasa at the Mini Mart got you covered.
We explored the minimart to find out what students think of Gurasa. Here’s one review that stood out when talking about this fabulous merriment:
“Gaskiya, I enjoyed it every day when I came to the school. It drove away my hunger before I went back home. Alhamdulillah, there are even many sellers now.”
So why come and experience Gurasa for yourself? Whether you’re a local or just visiting students, it’s the perfect menu to eat, unwind hunger, and enjoy a great traditional delicacy.
Pap and Bean Cake
Pap and Bean Cake is a rising star in UDUS minimart scene, offering a chic and contemporary hunger filled experience for many students. Located at the minimarts and some nearby villages, this morning meal features stylish decor with a relaxed atmosphere, making students late for morning class at ease.
The Pap is normally mixed with bean cake, giving students a taste of delicacy that creates an instant-worthy stomach refill that appeals to a young crowd. We are not the only fans of this menu; a frequent visitor praised it, saying:
To complement Pap and Bean Cake, it serves a variety of freshly made guinea, beans, and pepper respectively. The pepper which serves as soup, in particular, is a must-try and is often highly recommended by regulars.
This life saver often hosts themed mornings, such as morning lectures and book readings, which add a touch of entertainment to the Pap and Bean Cake experience.
Fura da Nono
Enclosed in minimarts and other spots around the UDUS campus. Fura da Nono is a hidden gem serving top-notch, appetising traditional homemade Fulani treats. This charming spot invites you to enjoy your tired hours of lecture with a delicious saver or sneak.
With Fura da Nono, the passion for quality is palpable. Using only the finest cow milk ingredients, every sip and chew is proof of the Fulani -Hausa expertise.
The warm ambience is designed to make you feel right at home, whether you’re meeting friends, working on projects, or enjoying some me-time.
What sets Fura da Nono apart is its dedication to using only the finest cow milk ingredients, ensuring every calabash (Cup) and freshly baked Guinea is a delight for the senses. By influence and adaptation with community through school, Fura da Nono builds a personal connection among different races, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, menu highlights, and exclusive cultures.
Moreover, Fura da Nono is not just about driven out hunger—It’s about experiencing the warmth and comfort of a truly special traditional Fulani top-notch. So why not swing by, indulge in a premium enjoyment, and taste the difference for yourself?
Finale
The UDUS life savers market scene is booming, and it’s fantastic to see. At the heart of it all are people who are passionate about fast foods and dedicated to sharing that passion with others.
From the bright, delicious lifesavers flavours to the cozy meal and minimart shops, UDUS minimarts lifesavers are not just for students but for everyone.
The UDUS life saver culture is about more than just a great hunger drive. It’s about community, connection, and creativity. It’s about the meal and minimart shops where friends and strangers can share a meal and converse.
Exploring UDUS life saver’s scene will reveal a world of flavours, traditions, and stories. You’ll meet people passionate about fast food and dedicated to sharing that passion with others. And you’ll experience the warmth, hospitality, and creativity that make UDUS minimart life-saver so unique.
This report is published as part of the writer’s internship with Nollywire, facilitated by the National Association of Campus Journalists(NACJ), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.