Pa Olusola Ajolore, a centenarian and former university lecturer, has disclosed that he used his student upkeep allowance—commonly known in Nigeria as “Bulgaria”—to pay for his marriage while he was still an undergraduate.Ajolore shared the account during an interview with Arise News on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as he reflected on his student years, personal experiences, and the circumstances that shaped his early life. His recollection offers insight into how students in an earlier era managed their finances and handled significant responsibilities while pursuing higher education.The centenarian explained that he did not need substantial personal wealth to get married.
Instead, he relied on the pocket money provided to him as a university student, saying the allowance was sufficient to help him take that important step in life.“I’m not ashamed to say this. I got married from my pocket money. We called it Bulgaria, and I got married when I was in the university,” he said.The expression “Bulgaria” has a notable place in the history of Nigeria’s university system. In student parlance, it referred to government-funded upkeep allowances paid directly to undergraduates, particularly during the years following Nigeria’s independence. The payments were intended to help students cover everyday expenses, including food, transportation, clothing, and other necessities associated with campus life.
For many students at the time, the allowance provided a measure of financial independence and reduced their reliance on family support. Although its primary purpose was to assist with routine living costs, Ajolore’s story demonstrates that students could also use the money to address major personal commitments when necessary.His account therefore provides a glimpse into student life during that period and highlights the practical value that government-backed financial assistance had for undergraduates. It also illustrates how individuals made important life decisions with the limited resources available to them.Watch the video from timestamp 13:25 to 13:37 HERE.
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