Osun Students Run Businesses Amid Academic Demands

At 2 am in a dimly lit hostel room near Obafemi Awolowo University, Oreoluwa Kolawole arranges her lip care products for a photoshoot meant for adverts. With electricity often unreliable, these quiet hours have become her most productive moments as a small business owner.

By morning, she swaps her entrepreneur hat for her student one, attending lectures with the same intensity. Kolawole’s routine reflects a broader trend across universities in Osun State, where student entrepreneurship is increasingly embedded in campus life.

A Campus Economy Taking Shape

A survey conducted by Campus Lens across Obafemi Awolowo University, Fountain University, and Osun State University reveals a growing ecosystem of student-led ventures spanning fashion, digital services, interior design, and beauty products.

The survey highlights the scale of this trend. Every respondent reported involvement in some form of business activity, showing that student entrepreneurship is a significant campus phenomenon.

Fashion ventures dominated at 48 per cent, fueled by low startup costs and consistent demand. Time investment varies: 42 per cent of students dedicate less than five hours weekly to their businesses, while 25 per cent commit more than 15 hours alongside academic work.

Despite this, 72 per cent said entrepreneurship does not negatively affect their studies, though many acknowledged the stress and time pressures it brings.

Challenges are mainly structural. Half of respondents cited lack of funding as a primary obstacle, while 33 per cent struggled with time management, highlighting the financial and operational pressures student entrepreneurs navigate.

Entrepreneurship as Necessity, Not Choice

For many, entrepreneurship is survival, not ambition. At Osun State University, Ganiu Olamilekan runs a branding and customized gift business to support himself financially, even with family backing.

At OAU, Daniel Dada, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering student, manages a graphic design and video editing venture with two assistants as his main income source.

Others, like Victoria Ayomide, a LinkedIn ghostwriter and fragrance brand founder, juggle multiple ventures to supplement allowances.

Fountain University medical student Sofiyyah describes her jewelry business as both necessary and strategic. “It’s important not to depend on just one source of income,” she notes, adding that her business has boosted her confidence and expanded her network.

Balancing Academics, Enterprise and Financial Pressure

Students emphasize discipline and prioritization to manage academics and business. Many structure schedules around lectures, reserving weekends or late nights for enterprise activities. Some strictly separate study time from business hours, while others scale back operations during exams.

“My academics come first. It’s non-negotiable,” Kolawole says. Yet students admit that running a business alongside studies can be stressful, with some pausing ventures during demanding academic periods.

The survey examined whether financial support schemes like NELFUND reduce students’ need for entrepreneurship. Awareness of NELFUND is high, and some acknowledge that it eases tuition pressures. However, its impact is limited, as the fund does not cover daily living expenses or business capital.

Entrepreneurship, therefore, functions as a parallel economic system, providing both survival income and long-term security. “NELFUND is not guaranteed forever,” Sofiyyah notes. “A business gives you long-term security.”

Institutional Perspectives

Lecturers generally view student entrepreneurship positively. Programme Coordinator of Communication and Media Studies at OAU, Dr Adeola Oyeleke, says it reflects initiative and independence, qualities vital in today’s labor market. Universities have introduced entrepreneurship courses to equip students with practical skills, though institutional support remains limited.

Dr. Opeyemi Adewale adds that economic pressures force many students to fend for themselves, and while NELFUND offers some relief, it falls short of addressing the broader financial realities on campus.

Rethinking Student Support

The findings reveal a gap between policy and practice. While entrepreneurship is encouraged, structured support remains underdeveloped. Experts suggest universities could provide targeted funding, mentorship, and flexible academic policies to help students navigate both study and business demands.

As economic pressures persist, Nigerian undergraduates are redefining the student experience. Entrepreneurship is no longer a side activity but a pathway to financial independence and future stability.

Across Osun State campuses, students are not just earning degrees, they are building businesses, developing skills, and navigating a complex economic landscape that extends far beyond the classroom.

This report was produced as a collaborative work by Matthew Ogunwale, Ezekiel Ogunniyi, Musuru Aliyat, Muhammad Takiyullahi, Adeyo Elizabeth, David Oladiran, Prosperity Olajire, Maryam Oyenpemi, John Alabi, Olaniyi Grace, and Adesola Omolara for the Next Gen Campus Journalism Clinic in Osun State.