Maryam Jimoh, a 400-level Mass Communication student, fondly recalls the excitement of securing her first paid graphic design project. What began as a hobby—creating flyers and logos for friends—quickly evolved into a profitable business. Today, she skillfully manages her expanding client base while maintaining academic excellence, a balance many Nigerian students are learning to master in response to economic challenges.
In Nigeria, rising living costs and high unemployment have turned side hustles from an option into a necessity for students. Inflation and job scarcity have made financial independence not just desirable but essential for survival. Students, in particular, face a tough reality, balancing academic pressures with the financial burden of meeting daily expenses. With financial aid, scholarships, and grants often limited or unavailable, many turn to entrepreneurship to support themselves without neglecting their studies.
The persistent rise in Nigeria’s inflation rate has led to increased costs of essential goods and services. Many students rely on stipends from parents or guardians, yet these funds often fall short in covering necessities like food, rent, and utilities. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country's youth unemployment rate averaged 4.25% between 1991 and 2024, reaching a peak of 6% in 2020. This economic hardship has fueled a wave of student entrepreneurs, who, through digital services and innovative ventures, are transforming obstacles into opportunities for financial independence.
Side hustles, once considered a means for extra pocket money, have now become crucial for survival. From selling fashion and beauty products to offering digital services like graphic design, content creation, and social media management, students are using their skills to generate income. This shift underscores their resilience and adaptability in the face of economic hardship.
Juggling a side business alongside academics is no easy task. Students must master time management and prioritization to handle lectures, assignments, and exams while running a business. Despite the challenges, many find a way to succeed, driven by the necessity of financial stability.
The rise of student entrepreneurship in Nigeria highlights a generation committed to self-sufficiency. These young individuals are not only securing their livelihoods but also gaining valuable skills in financial management, communication, and problem-solving—abilities that will serve them well in both business and professional careers. Their stories reflect the inspiring journey of student entrepreneurs who are transforming side hustles into powerful tools for financial independence and personal growth.
Akorede Soliu, a Computer Science student at Fountain University, identified a common issue on campuses and launched a tech support service called “I Book It.” His platform helps students secure lecture halls and enhances access to study spaces, particularly in federal universities.
Recalling his journey, Akorede shared the difficulties of developing and testing his app. “There were times when the coding bugs seemed endless, and the stress of balancing everything was overwhelming,” he admitted. “But I made a commitment to ensure my academics remained a priority.” Through perseverance, he successfully maintained his studies and excelled in his exams.
Similarly, Abdulakeem Faisol, also a Fountain University student, noticed that many students struggled to find affordable meals, especially during exam periods when time was limited. To address this, he launched “Sarelo,” a food delivery service that connects students with cafeteria vendors, ensuring prompt deliveries to their locations.
Balancing education and business was challenging for Faisol, requiring him to develop a structured schedule. Initially, managing classes, assignments, and growing business demands felt overwhelming. However, by delegating delivery tasks to trusted partners and setting dedicated hours for managing orders, he maintained both his academic and business commitments.
Collins, a graduate of Nursing Science from Fountain University, became well known as “That Collins Guy” for his photography and videography services. During his studies, he captured special moments at events such as matriculation, convocation, and award nights, while also offering private photoshoots. Despite preparing for rigorous professional exams, he successfully balanced his business and education, ensuring financial stability whenever needed.
Tolulope Adeyemo, a 500-level Nursing student at Fountain University, has gained recognition beyond campus. He was selected as a facilitator for the Africa Support Bureau’s Entrepreneurship Students’ Speakers Series—an esteemed event featuring top student leaders and innovators from the UK, Cameroon, and Nigeria. In addition to his facilitation role, Tolulope is a skilled project manager, overseeing projects to ensure timely and efficient execution within budget.
