A new reality which has affected many Nigeria undergraduates is the fact that jobs are no longer out there so the consciousness that entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in students’ development, through the art of risk taking plus innovation will produce meaningful profit they can live on is now embraced by forward looking among them.
Within the corridors of University of Ibadan in Affiliation with Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, are undergraduates who are striving to meet with end-meets, personal development, among many others through following the route of entrepreneurship within the campus environment.
Oduntan Omolade, representing her Fashion brand, Dominion Apparels.
Oduntan Omolade, CEO of Dominion Apparels, a female fashion brand and sophomore student of University of Ibadan, Abeokuta Affiliate Campus, while sharing with our correspondent, cited entrepreneurship as a way through which skills are enhanced. “On Campus, student entrepreneurship encourages innovation, creates opportunities for peer collaboration, and further contributes to the local economy. Likewise, it empowers students to become self-reliant and confident, preparing them to face challenges both during and after their academic journey.”
Similarly, Enitan Oluwapelumi, a food vendor and a final year student of the same school also echoed the same sentiment on impact of practicing entrepreneurship in the Campus ecosystem. “Entrepreneurs play several roles in our personal development. It helps us, as students, build confidence, skills, purpose, networking, needed for Future advancement.”
Enitan Oluwapelumi, the Food Vendor.
The challenges of young entrepreneurs on Campus
Challenges have created paths. They do not respect age or colour. It strikes both the aged and the young ones. In Nigeria, students engaged in one form of start-ups on the other also faced the same ordeals, ranging from small and large scale, alongside juggling with fierce academic activities.
Sharing with our correspondent, Omolade recounted her existing challenges, while steering the affairs of her fashion brand, Dominion Apparels, alongside being a student.
“Being a student and a fashion entrepreneur is not easy. I have to devote my time to academic activities, and at the same time, ensure I deliver fashion outfits to my clients, almost at the same time.” Omoloade said
“A day I will never forget in my life, was when I had to complete two outfits for a client, and at the same time, prepared for a rigorous test on the next day,” Oduntan added.
Likewise, Enitan Oluwapelumi, during a conversation with our correspondent shared her painful experience, juggling food business with academic activities. “As a final year student of the French department on this campus, who literally has to take all my 300 level provisional courses, it is not easy for me at all. In most cases, I am unable to take orders, due to clashes in my lectures time table, among several other things.”
Are there support systems for Student Entrepreneurs ?
Support systems for student entrepreneurs may seem elusive but when critically sorted, there can be an array of options. A noted option is with families and friends who see their struggle and are available to support them emotionally or cash support
For Oduntan Omolade, her support system is mostly provided through families, friends and usage of digital tools. “The encouragement I received from family members, friends, and application of digital tools for content creation and planning, gives me the strength to keep moving forward.”
In the same light, Oluwapelumi, the food vendor also attributed her support system to a business partner, who has contributed immensely, in keeping the food brand going, even at the point of quitting.
Success Stories and impact of Entrepreneurship on Campus Community
Success stories of a few who succeed in their endeavours are often enough motivations for others are are afraid of starting
Oduntan Omolade Faith, in a further conversation with our correspondent elucidated on her progressive stories, and referencing valuable resources.. According to her; “Within just two years of starting Dominion Apparels, even while managing school activities, I have experienced significant progress, ranging from getting a workspace(shop) on Campus, and even taking in an apprentice.”
Additionally, Omolade recounted how her digital skills enhancement and empowerment scheme through the Ogun state government helped her business. “My fashion skills have increased through free resources like YouTube courses from Precious Apparel Fashion Academy, Tiktok tutorials, and formal training from the Ogun state skills fund program.”
Omolade believes the availability of these resources from external forces, like the Ogun State government skills funds has played a pivotal and crucial role in developing her craft, and growing her fashion brand.
In the same epitome, Enitan Oluwapelumi believes her involvement in Food business on Campus, has been worthwhile, amidst her trying experience. “Through this business, I have been able to acquire a couple of things needed in life. I have been able to generate income, fund my education.”
Roles of Tertiary Institutions in promoting Entrepreneurship on Campus community
School management of tertiary institutions have a crucial role to play, in promoting and enhancing more participation of students in entrepreneurship.
Oduntan charged Campus leaders, School managements to invest in developing dedicated spaces, where students can easily showcase and sell their products. “They can provide a conducive business, and provision of training opportunities, mentorship programs, and likewise rewarding innovative business ideas among our students.”
Omolade believes Schools management’s effort will not only boost student’s engagement but also foster a thriving entrepreneurial culture on Campus, and even after completion of their academic endeavors.
Similarly, Enitan Oluwapelumi admonished Schools in Nigeria, to dearly engage in organizing events that would aid young entrepreneurs, to gain more opportunities.
#David Olatunji, a campus journalists and fellow of farica foundation for Young Media Professionals’ 2025 Campus journalism, ethics, safety and data-driven fellowship sent this ion from Osiele Abeokuta University of ibadan Affliate Campus
