Have you thought over what disciplines could possibly be taught at the University of suya? Well, if you are still thinking, it means, therefore, that you are yet to understand the composition and workings of the type of university we are pitching here.
University of Suya as the name implies is not a high-level educational institution in which students study for degrees and undergo academic research, it’s a different kind of university where the only subject of study is suya – and how it can be prepared.
Suya is one of the most popular food items in Nigeria. It is a spicy ‘skish kebab’ which is traditionally prepared by northerners and eaten in all parts of the country. There is hardly a day that passes by that Nigerians don’t buy it.
However, University of Suya is one spot that stands out from the crowd in Lagos, Nigeria, as far as suya is concerned and is located on Allen Avenue, in Ikeja, Lagos.
Although it is called University of Suya, It is not a university in the real sense of it. According to information gathered by The Next Edition, the name was given to it by the “Pro- Chancellor” of the university, Alhaji Umaru Abdullahi, in order for it to stand out.
Unlike other regular suya spots, university of suya is well-organized; and the environment where it’s located is neat.
The Next Edition gathered that, apart from the taste of the suya, which is said to be different, one thing that attracts customers to the place is cleanliness. That’s one of its unique selling points and an important factor in its popularity.
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Speaking of neatness, Miss Gloria Macaulay told The Next Edition that she was attracted to the spot when she noticed how thorough they clean their environment. “To be honest, whenever I passed this place I would see them sweeping the floor and cleaning everywhere. I noticed that the surrounding is very neat so I decided to give their suya a try. Before now, I was hearing that suya here would beat any other suya in Nigeria, but I didn’t really believe until I tasted it for the first time. Since then I branch here on my way home almost every day.”
The story is the same for Hussein Mahmuda, a middle-aged resident in Lagos.. “It is addictive, especially for people who live nearby,” he said smiling.
He continued “My house is just a stone throw from here so I hardly miss it. I stopped eating suya from other spots when I realized I used to have running stomach. But I haven’t had that terrible experience with the suya here.”
For Ebi Dabar James, University of Suya is special. “It is very unique my brother. Come and have some and be the judge. I used to eat suya very well but didn’t know suya could taste this good until I came here.
“A friend of mine used to talk about this place regularly and I used to think he was exaggerating until I tasted it. I think it is the way they grill and spice the meat. I know the taste is different from others but I don’t really know how they do it. As a customer I’m not concerned about that. My own concern is that they should keep it up.”
Despite its high cost, people still fall over themselves to buy suya from there. The lowest amount for beef is N500 while Kidney and gizzard cost N200 respectively.
The Next Edition also learnt that the branding also plays a major role in attracting customers. Most regular suya spots don’t have names. This one has a unique name and its headquarters is located in a highbrow area of Lagos, Allen Avenue of all places.
It is a 24-hour Suya spot but more people are gathered in the evening to buy it.
After about 30 minutes of making observations and interviewing customers, the boss, Alhaji Umaru Abdullahi who was looking simple in his white Jalabiya arrived with his entourage. Seeing the way his workers gathered around him as soon as he arrived, it was clear that he was the one calling the shots.
A minute later arrival, he sat down and was given a piece of meat to eat before he was interviewed. He said he came from Kano in 1990 and started the suya business immediately. “When I came to Lagos in 1990, I sold Suya at Apapa for nine months before moving to Surulere. At Surulere, I sold Suya for two years. I then decided to expand. That was how University of Suya started in 1992. I named it University of Suya so that it would attract people,” he The Next Edition.
Speaking further, he said, “I have four spots in Lagos and I am going to make it five Insha’Allah (by God’s grace). I have at Air force base in Ikeja, Haco junction at Adeniyi Jones, Ogba and Allen Avenue. Yaba will make it the fifth.”
The taste of the pudding is in the eating. What are you waiting for? Besides, you don’t need JAMB to be at this university.