Salaudeen Ridwan Moradeyo
The story unfolds as every story does, but ours is set in the towering temple of the University of Ibadan. In Unibadan, where the pursuit of knowledge is held in the highest esteem, a different kind of wave is quietly building. Beyond the hallowed halls of academia, amidst the stacks of textbooks and lecture halls, a cadre of student entrepreneurs is emerging, ready to challenge conventions and forge their destinies.
Picture a campus bustling with ambition, where innovation thrives in tandem with education. Beyond shaping scholars, this esteemed institution has cultivated a thriving community of entrepreneurs among its alumni and current students. The school, among other initiatives, introduced a visionary program, “Introduction to Entrepreneurial Skills,” as an integral part of its General Studies curriculum. The goal was simple yet profound: to broaden the horizons of students and inspire them to explore the world of entrepreneurship alongside their academic journey.
The results is nothing short of remarkable. Within the confines of this revered institution, a flourishing ecosystem of student and alumni entrepreneurs began to take root, defying expectations and transcending boundaries. These individuals embodied the perfect blend of academic prowess and entrepreneurial spirit, proving that the pursuit of knowledge could harmonize seamlessly with the pursuit of business ventures.
Meeting the Trailblazers
Before we turn the spotlight on current students doing well for themselves outside academics, it behoves on us to give a salute to former students who followed this slippery yet fulfilling path before now. These are ex students, who through toil and grit, opened the floodgate of entrepreneur pursuits sweeping UI today.
Olukole Paul – Paulo Santini Footwear
“Paulo Santini Footwear” is a name that resonates well within and outside the campus. It has come to become a household name for quality, durable leather footwears among students. But beneath the success this brand has recorded, lies grits and sacrifices. “It wasn’t an easy ride,” Paulo reflects with knowing smile. As a student of the Department of Religious Studies, he embarked on his entrepreneurial odyssey while still navigating the tumultuous waters of a 200-level student. The path was strewn with challenges, and there were moments when the demands of his budding business threatened to overshadow his academic commitments. Yet, Paul persevered, driven by an unyielding determination that knew no bounds.
He recounted that juggling his academics and his shoemaking venture was not easy at all. “There were days when I had to miss classes, but my determination kept me going. Being academically smart helped me manage my time efficiently,” he narrated.
And the results? Paulo’s enterprise, “Paulo Santini Footwear,” now stands as a towering testament to his unwavering resolve at the Zik’s Quadrangle. From humble beginnings, he has risen to become a symbol of student entrepreneurship, owning not one but two industrial machines. Even as he pursues his Master’s degree, he continues to steer his successful business to greater heights.
Muhammad Solahudeen Akindele – Logistics By Arab
Mr. Muhammad Solahudeen Akindele is a versatile individual with expertise in trading and cryptocurrencies. He is a proud alumnus of the University of Ibadan, where he earned a degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies.
During his interview, Akindele shared how he began his entrepreneurial journey as a student, driven primarily by the need for survival. Initially, his focus was solely on immediate financial needs, lacking a clear long-term vision. Overcoming various challenges, he managed to strike a balance between academics and entrepreneurship, eventually enlisting the help of a personal assistant and manager to lighten the load.
Even while navigating the demands of student politics, Akindele’s resilience and commitment to success remained unwavering. He viewed entrepreneurship as a means to make a significant impact in a challenging economic environment, propelling him to his current position. Despite facing financial setbacks, he remained committed to growth and adaptability.
Contact:
IG: Logisticsbyarab
Microbit.ng
Arab city enterprises
Shehu Tijani Sulaimon – Teejay Media
Sheu Tijani Sulaimon, an alumnus of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, shares his journey as an entrepreneur. He began his entrepreneurial path out of necessity, as the financial support from home wasn’t sufficient. Starting as an “Usher” at parties, earning ₦1500 per event, he saved nearly ₦10,000 and received ₦15,000 from his father to purchase a Samsung mini laptop for graphic design. Learning the craft from a fellow student, he honed his skills and offered imperfect but determined graphic design services, seeking feedback to improve.
In 2018, he ventured into politics but took his business more seriously during the 2020 lockdown. Transitioning from Coreldraw to Photoshop, he secured professional jobs through Facebook ads. With a commitment to perfection and a mantra of doing things well, he balanced academics with entrepreneurship.
Sulaimon’s success stems from referrals and customer investment, primarily marketing through WhatsApp. He consistently promotes his business, blending it with humor through memes. Despite his achievements, he maintains an unrelenting drive for more success, and his advice to aspiring student entrepreneurs is to pursue their passions, communicate their work, self-improve, build meaningful relationships, stay humble, and take pride in what they do. Today, he is the pride owner of Teejay Media, a successful graphics designing firm.
The stories of Paulo, Akindele and Sulaimon are just the beginning—a prelude to the tales of countless former students who, like them, dared to dream beyond the boundaries of textbooks and classrooms. Together, they wove a pot of ambition, tenacity, and innovation, redefining the essence of student life at the University of Ibadan.
Meeting the New Generation of Student Entrepreneurs, Success and Challenges
In the midst of this bustling campus, where the pursuit of knowledge collides with the spirit of entrepreneurship, a new generation of trailblazers inspired by those before them, is emerging and making waves, both within these ivied walls and far beyond.
Fisher Grace Oluwaferanmi – Exquisite Sweet Street
Oluwaferanmi, the proprietor of a cake enterprise, “Exquisite Sweet Street”, shares insights about her entrepreneurial journey with us. She expressed, “Being inherently business-minded, I decided to turn my baking skills into a business, a choice I wholeheartedly embrace.”
When asked about her motivation, she explained, “Each time I receive a positive review, it validates my success in mastering my craft. The past ten months have been transformative for my business, marked by increased popularity and the realization of my written dreams. Additionally, I was featured on the Nigerian Tribune blog.”
Reflecting on her experiences as a student entrepreneur, she recounted, “When I started in school, my primary product was Chinchin. Initially, I kept it a secret, fearing negative feedback.
However, as I shared it with my classmates, they became customers. I’d return home monthly to produce 2kg, gradually gaining confidence. Participating in the UI SU trade fair further boosted my visibility.”
For aspiring student entrepreneurs, she advised, “In the beginning, it might seem like the odds are stacked against you. Remember the saying, ‘Don’t give up, or you’ll miss out’? It holds true. Consistency and excellent service will pave your path. Your most fervent supporter should be yourself.”
Oluwaferanmi is a 300 level student of the department of European Studies.
Muftaudeen Azeez Akanni – A Digital Trader
Akanni, a proficient digital trader with a diversified portfolio of digital assets, demonstrates a remarkable ability to balance academia and entrepreneurship. In an insightful interview, he shared, “For me, business is not an arduous endeavor, even as a student. I have honed the skill of multitasking since childhood, largely inspired by my father’s values of time management and diligence. Many students tend to assume they have endless time at their disposal, but, candidly, time is a finite resource. I laid the groundwork for my entrepreneurial journey during a lengthy strike, emphasizing the importance of trust-building, a cornerstone in my field. Studying at the prestigious University of Ibadan and thriving as a digital trader complement each other seamlessly. My academic performance is contingent on my dedication rather than my business pursuits.”
Muftaudeen, currently a third-year student pursuing a degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, exemplifies the synergy between education and entrepreneurship.
Muhammad Akintayo – Paynet Cybercafe
Akintayo, a 500-level student in the Animal Science department, established “Paynet Cybercafe.”
Initially an online venture, it later expanded into a physical presence. Muhammad Akintayo shares, “I initiated this business as an additional income stream. The initial stages were challenging, but I adapted over time. To date, we’ve catered to and maintained relationships with more than 2000 clients. While there may not be enormous success, there have certainly been significant milestones.”
Oluseye Oluwaseun – Active Don
Oluseye popularly known as ACTIVE DON, a graphic designer who also offers academic writing and online payment services. Reflecting on his journey, ACTIVE DON emphasizes the value of challenges: “Challenges form experience, and they lead to growth. Handling difficulties properly preserves your brand. Balancing academics, business, and politics is a testament to my resilience.”
ACTIVE DON is a final year student in Theatre Art.
Kassim-Aliyu Firdaus Ikpemosi – Jannah Store
Firdaus, a 300-level Arabic and Islamic Studies student majoring in women’s fashion design, shares her journey from boredom to entrepreneurship. She says, “Starting as a hobby, I discovered my passion for fashion when I received my first positive review. Balancing academics and business is challenging, but the rewards make it worthwhile.”
Impact on the Community: Bridging Gaps
Beyond personal success, these student entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in the University of Ibadan community. They offer services that make life easier for their peers, eliminating the need for strenuous external searches. This symbiotic relationship benefits both parties, as students receive convenient solutions, and entrepreneurs generate income while building their brands.
Looking at the Future
The University of Ibadan’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent has already yielded impressive results. As students continue to explore their potential and embrace entrepreneurship alongside their studies, the institution will remain a hotbed of innovation.
With an ever-growing pool of student and alumni entrepreneurs, the University of Ibadan is poised to make an even more significant impact on the business landscape in the years to come.
The University of Ibadan’s dual focus on academic excellence and entrepreneurship has birthed a community of trailblazing individuals who are making their mark in diverse fields. As these stories continue to inspire and new entrepreneurs emerge, the future of student entrepreneurship at the University of Ibadan looks promising, with endless opportunities for growth and success.
