MWE Correspondent
As entrepreneurship becomes increasingly popular among young people, a growing debate is emerging across schools, homes, and universities: Should students dedicate themselves entirely to academics, or can they successfully build businesses while pursuing their education?
The question reflects a changing reality. Today’s students are no longer waiting until graduation to earn an income. Many are launching small businesses while still in school, selling beauty products, fashion items, handmade crafts, electronics, baked goods, digital services, and even offering graphic design, photography, tutoring, and social media management. With smartphones and affordable internet access, starting a business has never been more accessible.
For many students, entrepreneurship is not simply about making extra money. Rising living costs, tuition fees, transport expenses, and the desire for financial independence have pushed many young people to seek alternative sources of income. Some use business profits to pay school fees, purchase learning materials, or support their families, while others view entrepreneurship as an opportunity to gain practical skills before entering the job market.
Supporters argue that student entrepreneurship prepares young people for a rapidly evolving economy where innovation, adaptability, and self-employment are becoming increasingly important. Running a business teaches valuable life skills that are rarely covered in classrooms, including financial management, customer service, marketing, negotiation, leadership, time management, and problem-solving.
These experiences, they say, give graduates a competitive advantage in an employment market where employers increasingly value practical experience alongside academic qualifications. Even if a business does not succeed, the lessons learned often contribute to personal growth and professional development.
However, critics caution that entrepreneurship can easily become a distraction if students fail to manage their priorities. Academic success requires consistent attendance, regular revision, assignment completion, and adequate preparation for examinations. Building a business demands similar levels of commitment, creating the risk that students may struggle to excel in both areas simultaneously.
Parents remain among the most concerned stakeholders. Many worry that business activities consume valuable study time, particularly when students spend hours responding to customer inquiries, creating online content, packaging orders, or making deliveries.
The widespread use of smartphones has added another layer to the challenge. While digital devices are essential educational tools, they also serve as business platforms, making it difficult for parents and teachers to determine whether students are attending online classes, conducting research, or simply managing sales through social media.
Education specialists believe the discussion should move beyond choosing between education and entrepreneurship. Instead, they advocate for creating an environment where both can coexist responsibly.
According to education experts, entrepreneurship should complement—not replace—formal education. Schools can support this by introducing entrepreneurship education, financial literacy programs, innovation clubs, and mentorship opportunities that help students develop business ideas without compromising their academic responsibilities.
Parents also have an important role in guiding student entrepreneurs. Rather than discouraging business activities entirely, they can help children establish clear schedules that prioritize classes, homework, revision, and examinations before business commitments. Open communication and regular monitoring can ensure entrepreneurship remains a learning opportunity rather than an obstacle to education.
Successful student entrepreneurs often emphasize that discipline is the key to balancing both responsibilities. Many schedule business activities after school hours, during weekends, or throughout academic holidays, allowing them to maintain strong academic performance while steadily growing their enterprises.
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The broader conversation also reflects changing employment realities. Across many countries, youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, prompting governments and educational institutions to encourage entrepreneurship as part of long-term economic development strategies. Equipping students with entrepreneurial skills can help create future business owners who generate employment opportunities rather than relying solely on traditional jobs.
Ultimately, education and entrepreneurship should not be viewed as competing priorities. Academic knowledge provides the theoretical foundation, while entrepreneurship offers practical experience in applying that knowledge to real-world challenges.
The real challenge is not deciding whether students should study or start businesses. It is ensuring they develop the discipline, guidance, and time-management skills necessary to excel in both. When properly balanced, education and entrepreneurship can work hand in hand, preparing young people to become knowledgeable graduates, innovative entrepreneurs, and responsible contributors to economic growth.
