Nurse Spotlight: Shittu Abiola's Inspiring Journey from Nursing Student to Thriving Entrepreneur

In This Edition of IV Drips of Wisdom, We're Shining the Spotlight on Abiola Shittu – A Nursing Student and Entrepreneur Shaping His Path to Success.

Shittu Abiola Faisal is a 500-level nursing student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) with a remarkable story of balancing nursing and entrepreneurship. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, his parents' ventures inspired him to explore his entrepreneurial path early in life.

Through resilience, time management, and a focus on priorities, Abiola has not only supported himself financially but also developed skills that have transformed his perspective on nursing. Let's get right into it.

1. Background and Inspiration

Abiola's entrepreneurial journey began in his first year of university. Coming from a family where both parents were business owners, he was inspired to follow in their footsteps. However, a practical need also played a role.

"Nursing can be financially demanding," Abiola shared. "Starting my entrepreneurial journey early allowed me to support myself without solely depending on my parents."

His first venture was born out of a desire to help other students. In his 100 level, he provided assignment assistance to fellow students for a fee. This experience set the foundation for his entrepreneurial mindset.

2. The Shift to Online Business

As his academic responsibilities grew, Abiola transitioned to online business due to its flexibility. He began as a graphic designer and later expanded into digital marketing.

"My online business gave me the freedom to work on my schedule," he said. "It was easier to juggle with my studies compared to running a physical business."

Balancing his academics and business required strategic prioritization.

"At the start of a semester, I allocated 60% to business and 40% to school. Toward the middle and end of the semester, I flipped the priority to 20% business and 80% school," he explained.

"It's all about knowing what's important and managing your time effectively. Starve your distractions and feed your focus."

"It's all about knowing what's important and managing your time effectively. Starve your distractions and feed your focus."

3. Skills and Lessons Learned

Abiola's nursing training equipped him with critical skills like multitasking and time management, which he applies to his entrepreneurial ventures. However, entrepreneurship required him to learn new skills as well.

"I had to develop both soft and hard skills, including copywriting, sales, objection handling, graphic design, video editing, networking, automation, and social media advertising," he said.

These skills have not only enhanced his entrepreneurial journey but also shaped his personal growth.

"Entrepreneurship has taught me resilience, problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability. It has helped me see nursing from a broader perspective."

Entrepreneurship has taught me resilience, problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability. It has helped me see nursing from a broader perspective.

4. Impact and Success

For Abiola, success is more than financial independence—it's about making an impact.

"When people reach out for guidance, it makes me reflect on how far I've come and motivates me to keep going. Success is being able to guide and inspire others.''

Entrepreneurship has also expanded his vision of nursing.

"It's made me more confident and adaptable. I now see nursing as a field filled with diverse opportunities beyond clinical practice."

5. Advice for Aspiring Nurse Entrepreneurs

Abiola believes entrepreneurship isn't for everyone, but for those interested, he offers this advice:

• Identify your passion and strengths. "Your passion will keep you going even when it's tough."
• Solve real problems. "Entrepreneurship is about creating value by addressing challenges."
• Seek mentorship and collaboration. "Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and learn from others' experiences."

His final words of encouragement?

"Explore your passion and don't limit yourself. Opportunities are endless. Start where you are, with what you have, and take that first step."

Final Thoughts

Shittu Abiola's journey is a testament to the power of prioritization, determination, and adaptability. By leveraging his nursing skills and entrepreneurial drive, he's paving the way for a future filled with opportunities and impact.

Until the next edition of IV Drips of Wisdom, remember: the path to success and career fulfilment begins with intentionality and action.

Gadima Love

Your Favourite Digital Nurse