By Aliyu Bilkisu Umar
Amidst the hustle and bustle of University of Jos campus life, students are eager to supplement their income and turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses. With minimal startup costs but boundless creativity, students can explore these five student-suggested company ideas and embark on an exciting entrepreneurial adventure, turning their passions into profitable pursuits.
John Peter, a second-year University of Jos criminology student, observed a need in his neighbourhood for rubbish collection services. Equipped with a bicycle and a caravan, he began to offer modest fees for the removal of undesired objects. John’s business became well-known among his fellow students and the locals with little equipment investment and a flexible schedule. He made fliers and distributed them throughout campus to increase his reach and spread the word about his convenient and reasonably priced service.
Blessing Timothy, a final-year accounting student who took interest in baking during her leisure period started selling baked goods such as cakes and cookies to her classmates and roommates that she prepared herself. Blessing made use of her dorm kitchen and cheap local markets to get ingredients for her baked goods business, which turned into a sweet success and gave her extra cash before and after graduation. To attract more customers, Blessing would entice passersby with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats from a small stand she operated outside her dorm room on weekends, cleverly using the sweet scent to draw in potential clients and boost her sales.
Musa Bala, a University of Jos math major student, saw that his peers who were having difficulty in class needed help with their studies so he began providing one-on-one tutoring in physics and math to them, using his resources and experience to help them get better grades.
Musa’s tutoring service quickly became a popular resource on campus thanks to its flexible scheduling and affordable price. Musa regularly posts advertisements on students’ social media sites and gives out flyers in lecture halls to advertise his services.
Third-year business administration student Grace Phillip noted how inconvenient grocery shopping could be for students, particularly for those without access to personal vehicles for transportation. Grace started a grocery delivery service where students can place online purchases and Grace would deliver the goods right to their apartments or dorms. Grace’s business took off when she got a new bicycle and a trustworthy supplier. By offering a convenient solution for busy students, Grace’s venture not only simplified their lives but also generated a steady income stream for herself. To expand her customer base, she collaborated with local food retailers and introduced special promotions, such as discounts for first-time orders, to attract even more clients and further grow her business.
David Mark, a computer science student with a flair for digital marketing, spotted a chance to help out local companies that needed an online presence. He established a digital marketing agency, providing Jos-based small businesses with services like website creation, internet advertising, and social media management. David’s consultancy enabled him to utilize his skills and make money on his own terms, all he needed was a laptop and an internet connection. David used business forums to network with local business owners and visited industry events to demonstrate his skills in order to increase the number of clients he had.
Although juggling entrepreneurship and academics can be difficult, these University of Jos student entrepreneurs have figured out how to successfully manage both. To make sure they fulfil their academic obligations while managing their enterprises, they set reasonable goals, prioritise their time, and keep a disciplined mindset. While some set out particular times for business and study, others use their downtime—in between classes, on the weekends, or in the evenings—to concentrate on their endeavours. These students proficiently handle the demands of both academics and entrepreneurship by cultivating good time management skills and reaching out to peers and mentors for support.
It is imperative that students make use of their free time to learn new skills, particularly during times of strike or vacation. These times offer priceless chances for both professional and personal growth, enabling students to discover new interests, pick up new skills, and widen their perspectives outside of the classroom. Students at the University of Jos can increase their employability, adaptability, and general well-being by devoting time to self-improvement and ongoing education. This will position them for success in both their academic and future professional endeavours.
Since financial difficulties are common at the University of Jos, it is imperative that students have enterprises to support themselves while they are in school. These firms give invaluable real-world experience and skill development, in addition to providing additional revenue to pay for living expenses, textbooks, and tuition. Students learn firsthand entrepreneurship skills such as problem-solving, marketing, customer service, and financial management by managing their own businesses. Additionally, by fostering self-reliance, resiliency, and a strong work ethic, student enterprises equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce and allow them to seize chances even in the face of uncertain economic times.
These low-cost company concepts act as stepping stones for prospective student entrepreneurs as the University of Jos fosters an entrepreneurial culture among its student body. Students who are persistent, creative, and willing to take chances can realise their ideas and make a positive impact on both their own development and the local economy. The institution can further enable students to pursue their entrepreneurial goals and have a significant effect outside of campus by offering tools, mentorship, and assistance.
Students at the University of Jos possess the capacity to transform their aspirations of being entrepreneurs, provided they have the correct mindset and a hint of imagination. While pursuing their academic objectives, students can use these affordable business ideas as a springboard to explore their hobbies, gain useful skills, and have a good influence. For University of Jos students who possess initiative and persistence, the possibilities are endless.
