At 21, Sammy Samaila has never eaten solid food. Yet, he attends lectures daily, studies sociology, and steadily works toward graduation at Gombe State University.
While his peers snack on rice, bread and other foods between classes, the 400-level Sociology student relies entirely on liquids — often bringing a flask to campus to sustain himself.
In an interview, Samaila said since childhood, he survives entirely on pap, tom brown made from millet groundnuts and soya beans, juices and other drinks.
Born in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, Samaila recounted how his condition first became evident at the age of four, when attempts to chew food triggered nausea, prompting his parents to seek medical help.
“I remember that my father often tried to force me to eat, but I would immediately vomit.
“After several medical tests, the doctors said there was nothing physically wrong with me. Even now, if I attempt to eat solid food, I feel the urge to vomit.
“Although, I do not take solid food, my bowel movements are usually normal, but sometimes they are hard,” he said.
To maintain his health, Samaila depends on medication and careful dietary routines. His younger brother, David, remains a constant source of support.
“I do feel weak sometimes. For example, if I walk a long distance, I get tired easily. There are mornings when I wake up feeling very weak and unable to do much.
“I avoid carrying heavy objects because I become tired quickly.
“The medications I take include folic acid, vitamin B complex, and yeast supplements. Before taking my medication, I make sure I drink my pap,” he said.
He noted that people often mistake David for the elder sibling because of his stronger appearance.
“When we walk together, people think he is older. I tell them I am the eldest, and they are surprised.”
Samaila is a twin. His sister, Susan, died at five months old. He said the loss of Susan left a scar on the family and opened the door for cultural interpretations of his condition by some outsiders.
Despite surviving exclusively on liquids for 21 years, Samaila has developed a talent for cooking.
“My mother taught me how to prepare different kinds of meals by watching her. I even make my own pap and take it to school,” he said.
Beyond academics, he enjoys watching football and films. However, he longs for normal social interactions without constant questions about his condition.
“I hope to meet others with similar experiences, to understand that I am not alone in this rare reality.
“I also pray that one day I will be able to eat solid food as I continue to try my best,” he said.
Also speaking, his father, Mr. Samaila Yaro, a former bank worker who once lived in Katsina, described years of hospital visits and emotional strain.
“From infancy, he refused anything placed in his mouth, even medicine. Whenever we tried to give him drugs or food, he would vomit immediately.”
“One weekend remains vivid in my mind. I tried to feed him with three grains of rice, he vomited and later became ill, so we rushed him to the hospital.
“Doctors conducted examinations, including an endoscopy. The paediatrician said everything looked normal and advised us not to force him to eat, only give him what he is willing to take,” he said.
Yaro also recounted an episode in which a woman in a nearby village attributed the condition to spiritual causes linked to his late twin sister and suggested a red cloth ritual.
“She said his problem was caused by his late twin sister and asked us to make him wear red cloth. We tried it, but nothing changed,” he said.
He admitted that the family initially worried about Sammy’s mental development, but those fears proved unfounded.
“He passed WAEC, NECO and JAMB in one sitting. Today, he is in his final year without carry-overs, willing to serve anywhere in Nigeria for his National Youth Service.
“Every parent dreams of seeing their child succeed and interact freely with others.
“I believe when he goes out into the world, he will learn from others and others will learn from him.
“I do not believe in superstition. I believe God creates each person uniquely,” he said.
A visiting Harvard academic and relative, Professor Hauwa Ibrahim, described Samaila’s experience as both intriguing and thought-provoking.
“How can someone survive and reach adulthood without ever eating solid food?
“His life raises significant questions for health professionals,” she said.
Ibrahim noted that speculation about sickle cell disease had circulated, but Samaila’s genotype is AS, like his father’s, while his mother’s is AA, which does not account for his feeding history.
A gastroenterologist who reviewed his medical background said the condition does not immediately point to cancer, infection, or sickle cell disease.
The specialist explained that where tests reveal no structural abnormalities, attention shifts to functional or psychological feeding disorders affecting the interaction between the brain and gut.
“One possibility is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), an eating disorder driven not by body image concerns but by fear, discomfort, or sensory sensitivity to textures.
“In such cases, individuals may experience an intense gag reflex or overwhelming fear of choking or vomiting, leading them to avoid solids entirely while surviving on preferred liquids.
“Another possibility is functional dysphagia – difficulty swallowing without detectable structural cause.
“This occurs where coordination between the brain and swallowing muscles is disrupted despite normal test results,” the expert said.
As he prepares to graduate from Gombe State University, Samaila continues to attend classes with his flask of pap — determined, hopeful, and unwilling to let his unusual condition define his future.
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