Chiamaka, a 4th-year undergraduate student at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria, embodies the resilience and determination of conditional student entrepreneurs. Faced with inadequate financial support from her parents, who also have other children to support their educational pursuits, Chiamaka turned to conditional student entrepreneurship to bridge the financial gap and persist in education.
In her second year, she started selling fruits every evening at the roadside. This small business quickly became a vital part of her routine, providing the financial support she needed to continue her education. Balancing her academic responsibilities with her business was no small feat, but Chiamaka developed strategies to manage the pressure and stress that came with her dual roles.
Understanding the importance of her education, Chiamaka prioritized her health and well-being. She realized early on that to maintain her academic performance, she needed to stay healthy. This meant taking breaks when necessary, even if it meant missing a night class. By ensuring she got enough rest, she kept herself physically and mentally fit to handle the demands of both her studies and her micro-business.
Chiamaka also learned to manage her time efficiently. She dedicated her evenings to selling fruits, carefully scheduling her academic activities around this commitment. During the day, she focused on her studies, making sure to attend classes, complete assignments, and prepare for exams. Her evenings were reserved for her business, where she interacted with customers, managed her inventory, and handled finances. The support of her friends played a crucial role in her journey. They offered advice and encouragement, helping her navigate the challenges of balancing academics and entrepreneurship. Her mentor once remarked that it would be impossible for her to maintain the same level of academic performance she had before starting her business. Chiamaka took this as a challenge and found ways to prove otherwise, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability.
Despite the challenges, Chiamaka remains focused on her primary goal: her education. The profits from her fruit business are essential, but they are a means to an end. Her ultimate aim is to complete her degree and build a better future for herself and her family. By carefully managing her time, prioritizing her health, and leveraging the support of her community, Chiamaka continues to excel both academically and as a budding entrepreneur.
Her story is a testament to the strength and determination of conditional student entrepreneurs who, despite facing significant financial and emotional pressures, find ways to thrive. Through her hard work and strategic approach, Chiamaka not only supports herself financially but also lays the foundation for a brighter future.
To learn more about conditional Student entrepreneurship conceptualized by Ugochuwu Chinonso Okolie, read the recent research published by Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice below:
Okolie, U. C. (2024). A Longitudinal Study of Conditional Student Entrepreneurship in an Emerging Economy. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10422587241254062
Interested in discussing my ongoing research, send an email okolie.chinonso@funai.edu.ng
