At the age of 21, Sammy Samaila has never consumed solid food, but he still walks to class every day, pursues a degree in sociology, and manages university life with quiet perseverance.
While other students grab rice, bread, and various snacks between classes, Samaila, a fourth-year Sociology student at Gombe State University, relies completely on drinks, occasionally brought in a flask to his lectures.
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Samaila mentioned that from a young age, he has relied solely on pa,p, tom brown made from millet, groundnuts, soya beans, juices, and other beverages.
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Born in the Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, Samaila remembered that when he was four years old, trying to chew caused him to feel sick, prompting his parents to take him for a medical check-up.
I recall that my father frequently attempted to make me eat, but I would instantly throw up.
BIG PROMO, BUY NOW!!!Following multiple medical examinations, the physicians concluded that there was no physical issue with me. Even today, when I try to consume solid food, I experience an impulse to throw up.
"Even though I don't consume solid food, my bowel movements are typically normal, although occasionally they are hard," he stated.
In addition to his diagnosis, Samaila's daily routine focuses on taking medication to maintain his health and strength, with his younger brother David constantly by his side for support.
I occasionally feel weak. For instance, after walking a long way, I become tired quickly. Some mornings I wake up feeling extremely weak and unable to accomplish much.
I refrain from lifting heavy items as I get exhausted easily.
"The medicines I use are folic acid, vitamin B complex, and yeast supplements. Prior to taking my medication, I always have my pap," he stated.
Samaila mentioned that the younger brother remained by his side to provide assistance, yet some people mistakenly believe David is the older sibling due to his more robust appearance.
When we are walking together, people assume he is older. I inform them that I am the eldest, and they are taken aback.
Samaila is one of twins. His sister, Susan, passed away at the age of five months. He mentioned that the loss of Susan created a lasting impact on the family and opened the door for certain outsiders to interpret his situation culturally.
Although Samaila hasn't consumed solid food for 21 years and has relied solely on liquids, he is ironically a talented chef.
"My mother showed me how to cook various dishes by observing her. I also prepare my own pap and bring it to school," he stated.
His interests include watching soccer and movies. However, he mentioned that he has a strong wish to communicate openly, without any inquiries regarding his situation.
I wish to connect with people who have gone through similar situations, to realize that I am not isolated in this unique circumstance.
"I also hope that eventually I'll be able to consume solid food while I keep doing my best," he stated.
Additionally, speaking with NAN, his father, Mr. Samaila Yaro, a former bank employee who once resided in Katsina, remembered years of hospital stays, anxiety, and determination.
From an early age, he rejected anything put in his mouth, including medicine. Every time we tried to give him medication or food, he would immediately vomit.
A weekend continues to stand out in my memory. I attempted to give him three rice grains, but he regurgitated them and subsequently fell ill, leading us to take him to the hospital.
"Physicians performed tests, including an endoscopy. The pediatrician stated that everything appeared normal and recommended that we should not pressure him to eat, only offer food when he is willing to consume it," he said.
Yaro also remembered an event where a woman from a neighboring village said she had spiritual awareness about the son's situation, connecting it to his late twin sister and suggesting a red cloth ceremony.
"She mentioned that his issue stemmed from his late twin sister and instructed us to have him wear red fabric. We attempted it, but there was no improvement," he stated.
Yaro mentioned they were concerned initially regarding his mental growth, but he has demonstrated to be smart and competent.
He successfully completed WAEC, NECO, and JAMB in a single attempt. Now, he is in his last year of study with no pending courses, ready to serve anywhere in Nigeria for his National Youth Service.
Each parent hopes to witness their child's success and ability to communicate effortlessly with others.
I am confident that when he ventures into the world, he will gain knowledge from others, and in turn, others will learn from him.
"I don't have faith in superstitions. I think God designs every individual in a special way," he stated.
A guest from Harvard University and a family member, Professor Hauwa Ibrahim, finds Samaila's life both confusing and motivating.
How is it possible for a person to grow up without ever consuming solid food?
"His life presents important questions for medical practitioners," she stated.
Ibrahim mentioned that some individuals had discussed sickle cell disease; however, Samaila's genotype is AS, similar to his father's, while his mother's is AA, which is not enough to account for his peculiar feeding history.
A gastroenterologist who examined Sammy's medical records thought the condition does not strongly indicate cancer, infection, or sickle cell disease.
The expert stated that if tests reveal no structural obstruction or irregularity, the focus shifts to functional or psychological feeding disorders that influence the interaction between the brain and the digestive system.
One potential diagnosis is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), an eating disorder that stems not from worries about appearance, but from fear, unease, or sensitivity to textures.
In these situations, people might develop a strong gag response or a severe fear of choking or vomiting, causing them to completely avoid solid foods and rely only on liquids they prefer.
An alternative is functional dysphagia – trouble swallowing with no identifiable structural reason.
"This happens when the connection between the brain and the muscles used for swallowing is impaired even if the test results are normal," the specialist mentioned.
In a world eager to classify diversity as disease or folklore, Sammy's narrative defies simple interpretation.
It's not just concerning a rare eating disorder, but rather a father who wouldn't give in, and a son who wouldn't stop striving.
With his graduation at Gombe State University drawing near, Sammy still brings his flask of pap to class with determination..
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