LASUSTECH Students Balance Studies With Side Businesses
LASUSTECH students balance business studies with entrepreneurship, juggling lectures and hustles to support themselves and build futures beyond graduation
At Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), students are doing more than just attending lectures, they’re building businesses while juggling their studies.
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With the tough economic climate and rising graduate unemployment, many students have taken it upon themselves to start side hustles alongside their academic work.
These “scholarly hustlers” are turning their time on campus into opportunities for financial independence.
To understand how they manage this balancing act, I spoke with several students about their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges, and goals.
MISS ADEDOYIN ADETUNLA DURING THE INTERVIEW
Adetunla Adedoyin, a 200-level Mass Communication student, is both a fashion designer and a foodstuff seller. “I’ve loved fashion designing since I was young,” she said.
“That passion pushed me to learn more and create unique dresses.” Alongside fashion, she began selling foodstuffs, using her advertising skills to grow her business.
Balancing school and business isn’t easy. Adetunla carefully plans her schedule but admits to sacrifices. “I often lose sleep, and sometimes I forget customer orders at home. Then I have to decide whether to go back for the order or attend class.”
Still, her efforts pay off.
“My business helps me support my parents with school fees,” she explained. Lecturers and fellow students have noticed her hard work and continue to support her.
Her advice to other students is simple: “Follow your passion. When choosing a business, pick something you love and always stay positive.”
Alejo Mujidat Eniola, another student, started Smile Moore, a potato chip business, after noticing no one was selling chips in her department.
“I wanted to earn some income, so I began selling chips individually and in packs,” she said.
Mujidat makes her chips daily, balancing production with schoolwork. “The hardest part is meeting customer orders while keeping up with school deadlines,” she shared.
Despite the challenges, she’s gained valuable skills. “Running my business has taught me communication, time management, and marketing,” she said.
Her advice? “Start small, stay organized, and be ready to face challenges. Balancing school and business is tough, but you can overcome it.”
IGWE EMMANUEL CHUKWUDI DURING THE INTERVIEW
Igwe Emmanuel Chukwudi, a Mass Communication student, runs “Guru Network,” offering satellite and cable installations, CCTV, electric fences, and intercom services.
Balancing his busy schedule is difficult. Emmanuel admits to missing classes sometimes but stays on top by getting notes from classmates and working late on assignments. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’m committed,” he said.
For Emmanuel, his business is more than just a side hustle—it’s a vital source of income that helps cover school expenses. He enjoys the technical work and finds it rewarding.
Some lecturers and students already know about his skills and have used his services. He expects more clients will come as word spreads.
Chinedu Eze, a 300-level Civil Engineering student, runs “Techhub,” a web and graphic design agency serving small businesses and individuals. “Engineering takes a lot of my time, but I work on Techhub in the evenings and weekends,” he said, showing off his portfolio.
He saw a need for affordable, quality digital services and wanted to fill that gap. His long-term goal is to grow Techhub into a leading tech firm that hires young Nigerian graduates. His engineering background helps him solve problems both in school and in business.
Adebanjo Olamide, a 200-level Business Administration student, owns “Ola’s Kitch,” a catering service specializing in Nigerian delicacies and small chops for events.
“It’s a family passion I decided to turn into a business,” she said. She cooks after lectures and on weekends.
Her biggest challenge is managing deliveries while keeping up with schoolwork. But seeing people enjoy her food keeps her motivated. She dreams of opening a restaurant after graduation.
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These students show the resilience and creativity of Nigeria’s youth. Despite challenges like limited funds, time constraints, and balancing school with business, they prove that with determination and a clear vision, it’s possible to turn lecture halls into stepping stones for success.
