Nigerian Undergraduate Reveals 21-Year Journey Without Solid Food
A 21-year-old sociology student at Gombe State University, Sammy Samaila, has disclosed that he has never eaten solid food in his entire life, surviving solely on a liquid diet due to a severe medical condition. The 400-level undergraduate, who walks daily to classes, carries his sustenance in a flask, quietly navigating university life with remarkable determination.
Childhood Marked by Medical Mysteries
Samaila recalls that his unusual dietary restrictions began in early childhood. At just four years old, medical examinations were conducted after mere attempts to chew triggered immediate nausea and vomiting. "I remember that my father often tried to force me to eat, but I would immediately vomit," Samaila revealed during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
Despite numerous medical tests, doctors found no physical abnormalities to explain his condition. Even today, any attempt to consume solid food provokes the same visceral reaction, forcing him to maintain his liquid-only existence.
Daily Survival Through Liquid Nutrition
The undergraduate survives entirely on pap, tom brown made from millet, groundnuts, and soya beans, along with various juices and other beverages. "I rely on medication to keep me healthy and strong," Samaila explained, detailing his regimen that includes folic acid, vitamin B complex, and yeast supplements. He emphasized that he always drinks his pap before taking any medication.
His physical limitations are significant:
- He tires easily when walking long distances
- Some mornings he wakes up feeling extremely weak
- He avoids carrying heavy objects due to quick fatigue
Family History and Cultural Interpretations
Samaila was born a twin in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, but his sister Susan died at just five months old. This tragic loss left a permanent scar on the family and created an opening for outsiders to attach cultural interpretations to his unusual condition.
The student receives support from his younger brother David, who remains constantly available to assist him. Despite his challenges, Samaila continues to pursue his education with resilience, demonstrating that determination can overcome even the most unusual health obstacles.
His story highlights both the medical mysteries that can affect individuals and the human capacity to adapt to extraordinary circumstances while pursuing normal life goals like higher education.
