In a small room at Moremi Hostel, University of Lagos, 21-year-old Uduak Effiong carefully arranges packages of thrift clothes, preparing them for delivery. Between attending lectures and completing assignments, she manages an online fashion business that helps cover her living expenses. Like Uduak, many Nigerian undergraduates have embraced entrepreneurship, juggling their studies with side hustles in a bid to gain financial independence.
Why More Students Are Becoming Entrepreneurs
With rising inflation, limited job opportunities, and the high cost of education, many students have little choice but to find alternative means of income. While some rely on part-time jobs, others turn to entrepreneurship—selling clothes, makeup products, food, or even offering digital services like graphic design and social media management.
For Uduak, the decision to start a business was driven by necessity. “My parents send me money, but it’s never enough,” she says. “Instead of constantly asking for more, I decided to start selling thrift clothes. I use Instagram and WhatsApp to advertise, and I make a decent profit.”
Another student entrepreneur, Emeka Okafor, a 300-level Computer Science student at Lagos State University, runs a phone repair service. He explains how the income helps him: “If I had to wait for my parents to buy every single textbook, I’d struggle. With the money I make, I don’t just take care of myself—I even send some home.”
The Challenges of Juggling Business and Academics
Running a business while studying is no easy task. Many students struggle with time management, balancing schoolwork with customer demands. “Sometimes, I have deadlines for assignments and customers waiting for their orders,” Uduak admits. “It can be overwhelming.”
Lecturers have also noticed the impact of side hustles on student performance. A lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr. Chima Okonkwo, observes, “While entrepreneurship is commendable, some students become so focused on making money that their academics suffer. I’ve seen students miss lectures or fail courses because they are too busy running their businesses.”
Despite these challenges, many students believe the benefits outweigh the difficulties. According to Emeka, “It’s hard, but I’m learning important life skills—how to manage money, how to deal with people, and how to be responsible.”
How Institutions Can Support Student Entrepreneurs
While some universities offer entrepreneurship courses, not all provide direct support to student-run businesses. Experts suggest that schools should create business hubs, provide mentorship, and introduce flexible class schedules for student entrepreneurs.
Okonkwo believes universities should find a balance. “Instead of discouraging students from running businesses, schools should help them learn how to manage both effectively. Entrepreneurship is the future, and students who start early have an advantage.”
For many Nigerian undergraduates, a side hustle is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As economic realities push more students into entrepreneurship, the ability to balance business and academics will become even more critical. With the right support, today’s student entrepreneurs may become the business leaders of tomorrow.
