Nasir Sabo’s entrance into the Bauchi State University, Gadau, marked the commencement of a profound journey, one fraught with initial challenges.
Nestled in an unfamiliar environment, miles away from the comforting embrace of home, Sabo faced the daunting task of securing daily sustenance. Navigating through this novel landscape, he grappled with the choice of either learning to cook or seeking solace in the university’s eateries.
So, he ended up being a regular visitor to the school canteen and a mere few weeks into his academic sojourn; he confronted the stark reality that dining out was no longer an affordable luxury- he did not have the funds to sustain that lifestyle.
One evening after lectures, accompanied by a newfound female friend, he opened up about his struggles and campus escapades.
Amidst their candid discourse, Sabo explained to her that he struggles with cooking and shared his battle with stomach ulcers.
Ramadan came four days after Sabo’s heartfelt conversation with his newfound female friend, and like many other Muslim faithful, Sabo was expected to fast for the entire month.
Sabo knew it was going to be tough-he was broke and couldn’t cook. “It was my first time witnessing such an experience outside [his] home,” Sabo said.
On the first day of the month, while he was still thinking about how to break his fast, he heard a knock on his door and to his surprise, it was that friend who brought food for him.
“I was thrilled and grateful by her act of kindness, despite the fact that during that time, I was even about what to break my fast with,” Sabo said.
He added that there were times he asked her not to bother herself, but she constantly brought food to him throughout the month, helping to fulfil his religious obligation.
“This act of kindness always hits me. And it’s something I think is rare,” especially as she expected nothing in return.
That singular act of kindness changed Sabo’s perception of the saying “Nobody cares” because it made him believe that there are people who cared and are helping people in need.
“I was far away from home, with no relatives close by. But Habiba covered me with her kindness. I will never forget it,” 21-year-old Sabo told Prime Progress.
Sabo, a student of Literature at the institution, says he is always on the lookout to pay that kindness forward, hoping that it goes around.
