Entrepreneurial Barriers: A Spotlight on the experiences of Student-Preneurs in Queen Elizabeth ll Hall

                          Image Credit: Feedough

By Osuolale Oluwatomilayo 

 

Within the bustling walls of Queen Elizabeth II Hall, ambition quietly simmers behind hostel doors. For many students, entrepreneurship is not just a passion or pastime, it’s a means of survival. Yet, pursuing business within a space governed by strict anti-trade regulations poses daily challenges. From beauty services to baked goods, these students are driven by determination but restrained by institutional rules that leave little room for enterprise.

The challenges are many: fear of being fined, lack of safe spaces to promote or operate businesses, and the emotional toll of being forced to hide one’s hustle. These students, while pursuing academic success, also carry the weight of financial independence, often without institutional support.

There is a growing need for tangible solutions and support systems that go beyond mere encouragement. Dedicated platforms, empowerment programs, and designated opportunities during hall events can create space for legitimate and safe entrepreneurial expression. Entrepreneurship within student residences should be recognized not as misconduct, but as a form of resilience worthy of support and celebration. With proper structures in place, these student-preneurs can thrive not in hiding, but in the open. As entrepreneurship becomes increasingly vital for economic independence, especially among students, the role of hall management and student bodies must evolve to reflect this growing reality. 

In a conversation with several student entrepreneurs about the challenges of running a business within the hostel especially under the restriction against any form of trade, Adebisi, who sells perfumes and accessories, shared her experience:

“The major challenge is the limitation. My sales are low because I can’t freely go from room to room without the fear of being fined by the hostel management. To avoid drawing attention, I try to stay under the radar, but that means I have to take longer, more stressful routes just to reach potential customers. I often find myself going out of my way just to promote my business and connect with people. It would be a lot easier if there was a designated platform for student businesses within the hall.”

Bola, who is a baker, said “My customers are my roommates and my classmates. After witnessing people get fined, I simply cannot risk it but at the same time I just want to have enough money at hand to do some petty things. It is very stressful oh and discouraging. Some of us just want to afford our livelihood”

Zainab, a hairdresser, emphasized that “My major struggle is telling people to make their hair from me. My friend that was selling chin chin got fined so I stopped publicizing my business and it has affected me. If I even want to make hair for people, I most times do it inside out of fear. I might escape it but the fear of risking it ehn. Because of this now I don’t really have customers and I’m not happy about it at all.”

The burden of a fighter is rarely ever light and entrepreneurs are nothing short of these fighters. These fighters, despite the challenges of managing an initiative and pursuing a degree within the corridors of a residence shared with one thousand and one others, hold on to whatever reason propelled them into entrepreneurship. It has now become inadequate to encourage with words and a light pat on the back; it is high time tangible support systems like empowerment programs, grants and creation of networking opportunities were created. Specifically, the help of the government, the union and hall management would make these aspirations a reality.

Likewise, more initiatives should be integrated to help entrepreneurs in the hall. A day dedicated to entrepreneurs during the hall week is not a bad idea, this goes beyond merely setting up a trade fair because not all entrepreneurs sell goods, a lot of them sell services.

Entrepreneurship is an inspiring yet arduous activity to engage in, it mostly looks gloomier than promising but, the end is rewarding. And if the world was full of entrepreneurs, it would be a better place to be.