An increasing number of students at Crescent University, Abeokuta, are embracing entrepreneurship as a means of achieving financial independence while pursuing their academic goals.
Rather than relying solely on financial support from their parents or guardians, many students have established small businesses on and off campus to meet personal needs, pay educational expenses, and acquire practical business experience.
The businesses operated by students include baking and pastry production, food vending, fashion design, graphic design, hairdressing and makeup services, online thrift sales, and photography. Many students say these ventures help them develop entrepreneurial skills while preparing for life after graduation.
Despite the benefits, combining business with academics remains a significant challenge. Student entrepreneurs often struggle with time management, academic pressure, limited business capital, and balancing customer demands with lectures and examinations.
Some students also expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding campus events. According to them, trade fairs and social events provide valuable opportunities to showcase and sell their products. However, unexpected cancellations can result in financial losses after they have invested money, time, and effort into preparing for such events.
Several students cited the cancellation of a trade fair scheduled during Jersey Day as an example. They explained that they had purchased ingredients, production materials, and promotional items in anticipation of the event, only for it to be cancelled. The development left many of them with unsold products, financial losses, and emotional stress.
One student entrepreneur, Adebola Khadijat, who runs a pastry business on campus, said balancing academics with entrepreneurship has not been easy.
“Balancing academic life and business has not been easy, but I have to make money and read at any given opportunity,” she said.
Reflecting on the cancelled trade fair, she added that she spent several days preparing for the event and suffered financial losses when it did not hold.
She encouraged fellow students not to give up despite setbacks, noting that determination and resilience are essential qualities for every entrepreneur.
Student entrepreneurship continues to play an important role in campus life at Crescent University. Although students face numerous challenges in managing both business and academic responsibilities, many continue to demonstrate creativity, resilience, and commitment to personal development while contributing to the university’s entrepreneurial culture.
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