By Inioluwa Boroffice & Busayo Akinlamilo
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It can be tough but it takes focus, hard work and strong support systems for students to successfully combine education with business, student entrepreneurs have hinted.
Some of the student-business owners, in separate interviews with The Hope, said that despite many challenges, it is essential to be dedicated to pursuing one’s dreams, which is achievable through dedication.
They said they needed to combine their businesses with academics as only a few jobs are available for graduates after school.
Sarah, a Business Administration student at Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, said the key to striking a balance between business and education is to be organised.
She said she used a planner to keep track of her school assignments and business deadlines, and there were time and days set aside to handle school and business activities.
“It’s also important to be flexible and willing to make sacrifices. “Sometimes, I have to stay up late to finish an assignment, or I have to miss a social event because I have a business meeting. But it’s all worth it to me to be able to pursue my dreams of being an entrepreneur,” she said.
John, a Computer Science student at Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, started a mini personal software company that develops educational apps, adding that it is essential for student entrepreneurs to have a strong support system.
“When I am in school, I am all about school. When I’m working on my business, I’m all about my business”.
My friends and family are always there to help me out, whether it’s with my schoolwork or my business.”
Jola, a marketing student at Lagos State University, started a food truck that serves healthy and affordable meals.
According to her, “it’s all about time management.
“I have to be really careful about how I spend my time. I also have to be willing to ask for help when I need it. My professors and classmates have been really supportive of my business, and they’ve helped me out a lot.”
Chukwuamaka Queen is a Public Administration student at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ofa, and she owns a fashion business selling wigs.
The 23-year-old admitted that it was easier to get carried away by business as a student, but one must learn to create schedules and manage time well.
“To balance my academics and business, I utilise my time by setting time to read and do things related to school and attend to my customers.
“It is very easy to get carried away and distracted by your business, especially when you do not know how to manage your time and create a schedule. I make sure I don’t get distracted even when I have high sales and busy schedules.
“I also have a great interaction with my coursemates, most especially my department governor, so as to get access to school and class materials and call her (department governor) when I need help.
