The 6am tutorial that cost me more than my school fees

First semester, 200 level. Economics was killing me softly so I joined this 6am tutorial group. Every morning, rain or harmattan, I dey there. My roommate thought I was mad. Maybe I was.

The guy running it was a lecturer's assistant. Sharp guy, knew his stuff. For two weeks, everything was free. Then one morning he called me aside. "Emeka, you know this thing can't be free forever. Small motivation for the group." I asked how much. He said 15k.

15k. My feeding money for almost one week. I begged. He said no problem, but the top spot in the class ranking? That one goes to whoever values the tutorial.

I went to my closest friend, Chidi. Told him everything. He said we should contribute together, 7.5k each. I trusted him. Gave him my half the next day.

Two days later, the assistant announced Chidi as the top student for the semester. Paid in full. Alone.

I didn't confront him. I just moved on. But that day I learned something: loyalty in Nigerian campuses is a currency, and some people will spend yours to buy their own future. I still dey hustle, but now I keep my 7.5k close to my chest.