Feature Story: Inside Story of Successful Student Entrepreneurs: How I Became A Barber

Sewedo Khadijat

The belief that the future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in different ways can be reflected through Ishaq Abdulyazeed Musa's story, a 500L Student of Agricultural Economics at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. 

Ishaq revealed that the pandemic which occurred in the year, 2020 was what pushed him to acquire a skill, a development that brings him joy. 

"Well, as of 2020 when I learned how to barb, it was the only skill readily available for me to learn fast to be able to survive the pandemic (covid19). I didn't want to learn any other skill that I wouldn't perfect in a short time, because the moment schools reopened, I knew it might be the end of that skill I was learning. So barbing was the best option," he said.

Being a Student and a barber at the same time was not easy but it was possible, Ishaq said with joy characterizing his words. 

"Time management is the key I should say! It is not easy, but when you have little or no alternative income aside from allowance from parents or guardians, one will definitely find a way to cope."

As a person who believes in many ways to succeed, he didn't limit himself to his new skills.

"I am not only a barber, but I'm also an MC and an actor. I get paid for these services. The hustle is real, a man must survive".

Apart from the aforementioned skills, Ishaq is a cobbler, although not yet a professional one. He plans on venturing into farming after his degree.

"I would venture into farming arable crops after this degree God's willing," he stated.

Meanwhile, Ishaq owns a shop of his own, which he manages with an associate. He also loves what he does.

Why is skill acquisition important

"Handwork is what every youth should boast of having. Because it goes with you wherever you go, no one can snatch it from you," he said.

"Your primary assignment as an undergraduate is to study and obtain a degree. However, you're expected to by now understand that it's of paramount importance to learn a skill to be a job creator rather than a job seeker after your stay at the university.

Equally, join extracurricular activities to get the exposure, experiences, and network with people from different backgrounds," he advised fellow undergraduates.

According to him, If you only rely on your salary for income, you are one step away from poverty.

When asked about his take on combining work with academics, he replied: "Initially, I wasn't in for such a tedious task. It was something I never thought I could do. But you see, times are hard nowadays, one needs man up for self-support".

Challenges faced

Meanwhile, Ishaq revealed that his struggle is not without a hitch. 

"Insufficient time to study; the only time available for me to study is at night which is not possible, the body system needs at least 8 hours of sleep every day," he stated.

"Always tired; I mostly leave school by 5/6 pm and head to work and close around 10 pm. I often do it in class during lectures due to stress. The only way out for me is to study during the day for any little time I get," he added.

Despite the hitches, Ishaq seems to be doing great academically.