UI Fresher Goes Viral for Making Akara in Hostel, Sparks Reactions Online

A University of Ibadan fresher went viral after sharing a video of himself making akara in his hostel, sparking mixed reactions about his cooking method, ingredients, and use of a traditional stove.

A first-year student of the University of Ibadan (UI) has captured widespread attention on social media after sharing a video of himself preparing akara—popular Nigerian bean cakes—inside his hostel.

The student, identified on TikTok as @obakiniun1, posted the clip just days after resuming school. In the video, he proudly documented the step-by-step process of making akara, from mixing ingredients in a bowl to frying the bean balls in hot groundnut oil using a stove.

Captioning the post, “My second day in uni. Make akara with me,” the fresher unknowingly stirred conversations across social media platforms.

Many viewers were particularly surprised by his use of a traditional stove, with some expressing disbelief that students still rely on such cooking methods in 2026. Others focused on his cooking technique and ingredient choices, offering suggestions and critiques.

While some commenters encouraged him to switch to a gas cooker for convenience and efficiency, others shared tips to improve the texture and appearance of the akara, such as adding eggs or frying it longer for a richer color.

The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 583,000 views at the time of reporting, with reactions ranging from humorous observations to practical advice.

A few social media users joked about the increasing number of content creators among new UI students, while others were simply nostalgic about the use of stoves, noting they hadn’t seen one in years.

The viral akara video highlights not just student creativity, but also the everyday realities and experiences of university life in Nigeria today.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LEGIT