By: Omowunmi Adetuberu, Grace Akinyemi, and Lydia Obi
In Nigerian higher institutions today, students no longer need to be told that they can start making money before graduating.
The country’s tough economy has made this clear—often in the hardest way possible.
At the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), students are embracing entrepreneurship like never before, not just as a side hustle but as a necessity for survival.
Whether out of passion, financial need, or the drive to build something of their own, a growing number of students are now actively engaged in selling various products and services on campus.
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of students who have ventured into business, but one thing is certain—you cannot walk through the NIJ campus without encountering a student selling something.
From snacks, jewelry, and phone accessories to customized merchandise, home appliances, and academic materials, students have found creative ways to meet their peers’ needs while making money.
Some student entrepreneurs are making just enough to support their daily expenses, while others have built profitable businesses that cover their tuition fees and other responsibilities. For many, what started as a means to survive has grown into a promising venture, teaching them real-world business skills long before they graduate.
What is more interesting is the reason behind why many of these students began their ventures. A student of the National Diploma 2 class, Otunba Adepimbe, told NIJ Insight, “I started selling in school because I realized students need something to munch on during classes so as for them not to sleep off.”
Beyond traditional face-to-face transactions, many NIJ students have taken their businesses online. Social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok have become digital marketplaces where students showcase their products and services. Some operate dropshipping businesses, reselling fashion items and gadgets without holding inventory, while others run full-fledged e-commerce stores.
The online marketplace allows students to reach a broader audience beyond their classmates, giving them the opportunity to scale their businesses even while juggling academic responsibilities.
A major factor driving the rise of student businesses at NIJ is the institution’s growing emphasis on entrepreneurship. Recognizing the financial struggles many students face, NIJ has partnered with several organizations to provide mentorship, funding opportunities, and networking events for budding entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the school’s Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC) runs a Vocational Skills Training (VST) programme, offering students a structured way to acquire practical skills that can be turned into income-generating ventures. Every week, students get a three-hour window to learn a trade from experienced facilitators, equipping them with hands-on knowledge that extends beyond the classroom.
The vocational skills offered in this program include:
- Beadmaking
- Fashion Designing
- Barbing
- Shoemaking
- Catering
- Merch Customization
- Tie-Dye Production
- Makeover & Beauty Services
- Blogging & Digital Marketing
Speaking on the importance of entrepreneurship for students, Mrs. Bisi Bamishe, the Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Center at NIJ, emphasized the necessity of having multiple income streams in today’s economic climate.
According to her, vocational skills are no longer just an option but a key survival tool for students who want financial independence.
With students becoming increasingly self-reliant, the entrepreneurial spirit at NIJ continues to grow. Whether out of necessity or ambition, the reality is clear—today’s students are not waiting for graduation to start making money.
They are building businesses, creating opportunities, and preparing themselves for life beyond school.
The question remains: Is everyone now selling something? Perhaps not everyone, but at NIJ, entrepreneurship is no longer just a ‘’cool thing to do”; it is a way of life.
