The Poor Dad says, “Love of money is the root of evil” while for the Rich Dad,“Lack of money is the root of evil”. The above, coined by Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, has become a popular adage among students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, who claim the saying captures their life on campus. QuadLife examines what students do to survive.
There is a saying that not all fingers are equal. It is true that some people are born with a silver spoon while others are not. From findings, students engage in many activities on campus to survive. Some are sponsoring themselves; others depend wholly on their relations. Most students who do business on campus have to sell below the prices obtained outside as this is the only way they get other students patronise them.
There are those who push trucks during holidays to earn a living but when they come back to school, they live normal student life. Some other students engage in evil activities in the quest to make quick money. Quadlife spoke to some on the things they do to survive.
Chinyere Nnalue, in 500-Level Agricultural Extension, sells female underwears.
She said she gets them at cheaper rates from Cotonou in Benin Republic and then sells at a price lower than what is obtainable in Aba, Abia State and other markets around.
Nnalue said: “Students are my immediate customers and they are good customers as my wares do not stay long before they are finished.
Part of the profit I make, I plough back into the business while the rest I use to take care of myself on campus.”
Chima Kingsley Mbonu said he chose to reside in the hostel because of the business he does. He sells shirts, trousers and footwears. He carries the products from room to room. Most times, he takes them to offices for staff members to buy. He said his entrepreneurial ability has made his lecturers like him. According to him, he travels to Lagos from school almost on monthly basis to buy the goods.
