A growing number of students at the University of Ilorin are launching small businesses to support themselves financially, ranging from Make-up services to drop shipping business and a wide range of other businesses.

 A 300 level student of Mass Communication Mercy Ayanfunke, a who runs a dropshipping business which she started last year. Mercy decided to go into the business because she needed something to earn an income as a student. She sells clothes, footwear, bags, kitchen equipment, and a variety of other items, which she sources from trusted vendors whenever customers place an order. “I promote my business using WhatsApp and social media,” she explained. “The major challenge I face is getting customers because sometimes my business doesn’t get enough views.”

Mercy added that although rising prices affect her goods, she only increases her prices slightly so customers do not get discouraged. She emphasized that her academics remain her priority. “I don’t let my business affect my school work. Whenever I have tests or exams, I take a pause and focus on reading,” she stated. Mercy also highlighted that her profit is never consistent because of the unavailability of customers. Despite that, Mercy enjoys being a student entrepreneur. She said, “What I love most is that I own a business and people buy from me. It feels good.”

Another student entrepreneur, Bibitayo, a 300-level student, who offers many services with the most prominent being Make-up Artistry. Bibitayo is a makeup artist who began her business in 2022, even before gaining admission into the University of Ilorin. She sources her products from local makeup stores like Alvin Store and sometimes imports them from both local and international suppliers.

Bibitayo makes use of the new media to promote her brand. She practices personal branding by always presenting herself well and introducing her business to new people she meets. Her main challenges are the rising cost of makeup products and transportation, which forces her to increase her service prices. “It’s not convenient for me or my clients, but things are expensive everywhere,” she said.

Balancing academics and business has not been difficult for her because she prioritizes school. She only accepts makeup bookings on weekends and never during exams. As a result, her business has never affected her academics. She makes profit consistently through strategic pricing and says she enjoys being a student entrepreneur. 

Aiming for financial independence, Temitope Oyewobi, another student entrepreneur, who sells hair accessories and skincare products began her business in her 200 level year. This business has flourished steadily on campus. Her products range from different types of hair accessories to skincare items, all of which she gets from her mother’s large store in Ogbomosho. “My mum helps me waybill the products to Ilorin whenever I need them,” she said.

Temmy promotes her business mainly on WhatsApp, especially by posting in various hostel groups across campus. However, she noted that low patronage remains her biggest challenge. According to her, rising prices also affect sales. “When prices change, it affects the business because the products become expensive, and my customers don’t always understand why,” she added. Despite the challenges, Temmy said she tries her best to balance academics with business. “Most of the time, I try to balance school work with my business so one won’t affect the other,” she explained. 

Despite their success, all three students say the biggest challenge is time management, balancing academic work with customer demands. Many complete their business tasks at night or during weekends to avoid missing lectures. As student start-ups continue to grow across campus, these young entrepreneurs are proving that education and enterprise can thrive side-by-side even under economic pressure.