Memories of Boarding School: The Unforgettable Rat Population of 1990s Nigeria

A personal account details the author's encounters with large numbers of rats during boarding school years in Nigeria in the 1990s, fueled by stored student snacks. According to the writer, the accumulation of provisions such as cornflakes, sugar cubes, powdered milk, and hot chocolate brought by thousands of students contributed to a thriving rodent population.

The Gathering on the Dormitory Lawn

The author recalls seeing rats gathering at dusk on the lawn next to the dormitory. Described as large and well-fed, the rodents initially scattered from humans but eventually became bolder, requiring clapping and stomping to move.

Reported Encounters and Folklore

Various accounts circulated among the students regarding the confident behavior of the rodents:

• Stories included rats that strolled rather than scurried when approached.
• Some individuals claimed to have woken up to rats nibbling on their toes.
• A separate report mentioned finding a mother rat and newborns under a pillow.
• The author also remembers being chased by two large rats while fetching water at night.

Practical Implications and Reflection

Reflecting on the experience, the author notes that encountering such pests is a common reality in areas where nature remains largely intact, framing the wildlife as adapting to human presence in their natural habitat. Later in life, the author observed similar memories being triggered during rodent issues in urban environments.

Readers interested in verifying personal essay details can look for published memoirs and personal columns addressing boarding school experiences in West Africa during that decade.