The Side Hustle Generation: How Fountain University Students Balance Academics and Business.

Oluwatoyosi Alarape, Khadijat Adeyinka, Idowu Azeezat remembers the first time she sold a dress online. 

A 400-level Medical Laboratory Science student at Fountain University, she had refurbished an Islamic wear piece and posted it on Instagram. Within hours, it was sold. That moment marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, one that now helps her gain financial independence while balancing academics.

Azeezat Idowu At Fountain University, students are not just focused on lectures and assignments; they are also business owners, content creators, and service providers. From selling thrift fashion to running photography studios and tutoring classmates, many students are embracing entrepreneurship while still pursuing their degrees.

For some, side hustles are a way to gain financial independence; for others, they serve as a stepping stone to future careers. But juggling business and academics isn’t always easy. While students praise the benefits of earning extra income, lecturers worry about the impact on academic performance.

One such student entrepreneur is Idowu Azeezat, who runs a fashion business on campus. She buys Islamic wear and accessories, refurbishes them, and sells them through Instagram and WhatsApp.

“I started my business because I wanted financial freedom,” she explains. “Instead of always waiting for allowance from home, I now make money selling clothes. It has taught me time management and marketing skills.”Another, Sadu Awwal, a 400-level Mass Communication student, turned his love for photography into a profitable venture. “People always complimented my pictures, so I decided to start charging for shoots,” he says. 

“Now, I cover birthdays, graduations, and even small weddings. It’s a great way to earn while doing something I love.”

Hameed Bolaji, a 400-level Computer Science student, offers tutoring services to junior students struggling with programming. “A lot of people find coding hard, so I help them understand the basics,” he says. 

“I charge a small fee, and it also helps me sharpen my own skills.”

Bolaji AhmedWhile running a business has its rewards, balancing it with academics can be challenging. Many students struggle with time management, exhaustion, and even falling behind in class.

“There are times I stay up late responding to customers and still have an 8 AM lecture the next day,” says Azeezat. “It’s not easy, but I try to plan my schedule well so my grades don’t suffer. ”Awal admits that his photography gigs sometimes clash with schoolwork.

 “During exam periods, I turn down jobs to focus on reading. It’s tough because I don’t like rejecting clients, but school comes first.”Lecturers at Fountain University acknowledge the benefits of student entrepreneurship but worry that side hustles may negatively impact academic performance.

Dr. Adegbore, from the Public Health Department, raises concerns about student well-being. “Some students overwork themselves and end up stressed or sleep-deprived. They need to find a balance to avoid burnout.”

However, not all lecturers disapprove. Dr. Desola Adeoye, the Dean of the College of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, encourages students to develop entrepreneurial skills. “The job market is tough, and having business experience gives students an edge. As long as they don’t neglect their academics, I fully support student entrepreneurs.”

Despite the challenges, many students agree that the benefits of running a business outweigh the struggles.To succeed as both a student and an entrepreneur, time management is key.Azeezat advises fellow student business owners to set priorities. “Know when to focus on school and when to focus on business. Don’t let one suffer because of the other.”

Awal recommends outsourcing tasks when possible. “I recently got an assistant to help with bookings and editing. It gives me more time to study.”Dr. Adegbore encourages students to take advantage of online tools. “There are digital resources that can help with both studies and business. 

Use productivity apps, schedule your tasks, and don’t be afraid to take breaks.”With the rising cost of living and limited job opportunities, more students are expected to venture into business while studying. The key is to strike a balance and ensure that entrepreneurship complements, rather than disrupts, academic success.

For students like Azeezat, Awal, and Bolaji, the dream is to turn their side hustles into full-time careers after graduation. “I don’t see my business as just a side hustle,” says Azeezat. “It’s something I want to build into a brand even after I leave school.”

As more students embrace the hustle culture, one thing is clear—entrepreneurship is not just a way to make extra cash, but a stepping stone toward financial independence and career success.