GOMBE – In the bustling lecture halls of Gombe State University (GSU), 21-year-old Sammy Samaila looks like any other final-year Sociology student. He carries a backpack, worries about his upcoming graduation, and discusses theory with classmates. But while his peers head to the buttery for rice or bread between lectures, Sammy reaches for a flask.
Inside is not just a drink, but his entire life force: a blend of pap, “tom brown” (a nutrient-dense cereal mix), or juice. In an extraordinary case that has baffled medics and locals alike, Sammy has survived for over two decades without consuming a single morsel of solid food.
A Lifetime of Refusal
The mystery began when Sammy was just an infant. While his twin sister, Susan, followed a typical developmental path before her tragic passing at five months, Sammy’s body staged a quiet rebellion against solids.
”I remember my father often tried to force me to eat, but I would immediately vomit,” Sammy recalled in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). By age four, the mere act of chewing triggered a violent gag reflex.
His father, Mr. Samaila Yaro, a former bank worker, remembers the desperation of those early years. “I tried to feed him just three grains of rice once. He vomited instantly and became so ill we rushed him to the hospital,” Yaro said. Despite multiple tests—including an endoscopy—doctors found no physical blockages. Their advice was simple but daunting: don’t force him; give him what he can tolerate.
Strength in Liquid Form
Living on a liquid-only diet comes with a physical price. Sammy admits to bouts of extreme fatigue, particularly in the mornings or after long walks. To compensate, he manages his health with a strict regimen of:
- Nutrient-dense liquids: Pap made from millet, groundnuts, and soya beans.
- Supplements: Daily doses of Folic Acid, Vitamin B Complex, and yeast supplements.
- Physical Pacing: Avoiding heavy lifting to conserve his limited energy reserves.
Ironically, Sammy is a talented cook. Having watched his mother in the kitchen, he prepares various meals for others and expertly crafts his own specialized pap blends.
Medical or Psychological?
While some in his community suggested spiritual causes—linking his condition to his deceased twin—Sammy’s family has remained grounded in science and faith.
Medical experts suggest the condition might not be physical, but functional. A gastroenterologist reviewing the case pointed toward Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Unlike better-known eating disorders, ARFID isn’t driven by body image but by sensory sensitivity or a traumatic fear of choking and vomiting.
Another possibility is functional dysphagia, where the brain and swallowing muscles fail to coordinate, despite the throat being physically clear.
An Academic Triumph
Despite his physical limitations, Sammy’s intellect has never wavered. He cleared his WAEC, NECO, and JAMB exams in a single sitting and is currently a 400-level student with no carry-overs.
”Every parent dreams of seeing their child succeed,” his father said. “He has proven to be intelligent and capable. I believe when he goes out into the world, he will learn from others, and others will learn from him.”
As Sammy prepares for his National Youth Service (NYSC), he remains hopeful. He wishes to connect with others who share his “rare reality” and harbors a quiet, persistent prayer: that one day, he will finally be able to join the rest of the world at the dinner table
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