Books vs. Business: The Dual Life of UI Studentpreneurs

Hadiza Usman

Student entrepreneurs are those who seek and thrive beyond academic walls. Beneath the veneer of lectures and bustling lecture halls, a different kind of commerce quietly thrives at the University of Ibadan. It is a world of transactions driven not just by ambition, but by necessity. In this space, necessity is not only the mother of invention — it is the engine powering a vibrant, often unseen marketplace.

For many students, the rising costs of accommodation, feeding, and the constant demand for academic materials have stretched the monthly allowance from home to its limits. As a result, many struggle to make ends meet. As the Yoruba adage goes, “Bi owó bá ń lọ, ìbànújẹ á máa dé” — when money goes, sorrow follows. To stave off that sorrow — or just to meet their basic needs — students are turning their skills, talents, and limited resources into streams of income.

Among these hustlers are culinary entrepreneurs who adapt to campus restrictions by offering ready-to-eat snacks, home-cooked meals delivered discreetly, or by using communal kitchen spaces to serve fellow students. The aroma of freshly fried puff-puff or the sight of neatly wrapped small chops has become common in certain areas — a silent but tempting offering to those craving a taste of home or a more affordable alternative to official campus eateries.

“Sometimes, I just crave something different,” says Dele, a Geology student who regularly buys snacks from a fellow student in his block. “And honestly, it’s often more pocket-friendly. Owó kékeré ní ń ra ilé ńlá” — a little money buys a big house. In this case, a small amount buys a satisfying treat and supports a fellow student’s hustle.

Beyond tangible goods, the student economy thrives on the exchange of skills and services. Tutors offer their expertise in difficult courses, graphic designers craft logos for student societies while building their own brands, and tech-savvy students fix phones or troubleshoot software issues — all part of a web of mutual support and discreet commerce.

“I struggled with Calculus in my first year,” recalls Nonso, now a final-year Mathematics student. “I couldn’t afford a formal tutor, but a senior in my hall offered to help for a small fee. We met in the library or common areas. He understood the student struggle. Owó ni kókó, ṣùgbọ́n ògbón ni èjì” — money is important, but wisdom is key. His help got me through that hurdle, and it also gave him a little income.”

The reasons behind this thriving student-driven economy are multifaceted. The rising cost of living, combined with stagnant or insufficient financial support from home, has created fertile ground for entrepreneurial thinking — born more out of necessity than ambition. The campus environment also offers a ready market: students know what other students need. In this tight-knit community, trust and word-of-mouth recommendations are vital. One hand washes the other — students support businesses that support them.

Take, for example, a student-run food delivery service that has gained popularity on campus. It became known for reliable service and tasty meals. Students told their friends, and soon the business was booming — all thanks to trust and personal referrals.

But this ecosystem is not without its challenges. Operating outside formal business structures means no regulation, no safety nets, and sometimes, no protection against exploitation. Balancing academic responsibilities with business pressures can lead to burnout. As the saying goes, “A kì í jẹ èkúté, kí a má gbénu”— one cannot eat a rat without the stain showing on their mouth. For some, that stain appears in missed deadlines and compromised study time.

Still, the hustle continues — a testament to students’ resilience and resourcefulness. It’s a powerful reminder that human beings, even within the constraints of academia, are driven to survive, create, and connect. This is the story of students carving their own paths — one small transaction at a time. And in its own quiet way, it contributes to the vibrant, complex, and determined spirit that makes the University of Ibadan a microcosm of the wider world, where ambition and necessity walk hand in hand.