Entrepreneurship: Creating Jobs Instead of Chasing Them

With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate still alarmingly high, it’s no surprise that more young people are turning to entrepreneurship as a viable path. For polytechnic students—who already have hands-on, technical skills—starting a small business can be both achievable and rewarding.

Entrepreneurship goes beyond making money. It promotes independence, sharpens creativity, and helps solve local problems. As a polytechnic student, you already have a head start. Whether it’s carpentry, graphic design, catering, hairdressing, software development, or fashion design, your skills can be monetized.

Start small, but start smart:

• Identify a Marketable Skill: Focus on what you do well and how it can solve a problem or meet a need.
• Start with What You Have: Use free platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook to showcase your work. Use Canva for design and Paystack for payments.
• Learn Business Basics: Understanding pricing, customer service, record-keeping, and marketing is critical for growth.
• Maintain Balance: Manage your business around your academic schedule. It’s possible to graduate and still have a running side hustle.

Also, take advantage of business plan competitions, grants, and incubation centers often offered within polytechnics or through private sponsors. These can offer seed capital, mentorship, and even access to markets.

Entrepreneurship is not for dropouts—it’s for dreamers, doers, and discipline-minded individuals. You can become an employer before graduation.