By LEVI JOHNSON
Graduate Spotted Selling Phone Accessories Sparks Online Debate
A first-class graduate of Covenant University has captured the attention of Nigerians online after being spotted running a phone accessories store at the bustling Alaba International Market in Lagos. The graduate, Onwuka Wisdom, displayed a photo of himself with Bishop David Oyedepo, founder and chancellor of Covenant University, at his shop, drawing curiosity and admiration from social media users.
Despite Covenant University being ranked the best university in Nigeria by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2024 and 2025, Wisdom chose an unconventional path, blending academic excellence with entrepreneurship.
Netizen Observations Go Viral
Ibukun Amosu, an X (formerly Twitter) user, shared the encounter online, highlighting how Wisdom manages his business with flexibility and financial independence. According to Ibukun, the graduate works at his own pace, opening and closing his store at will while generating consistent income.
He questioned the necessity of investing years and money into a prestigious degree when one could seemingly start a business from scratch. His post read:
“I was at Alaba Int. Market today. This Igbo bro graduated from CU as top of his class, set up a phone accessories shop, and hung a picture he took with Oyedepo. He is making money every day, open and close his business the way he likes. My question is why spend 4–5 years and that money on school when he could have just set up shop with the money from the start?”
The post quickly went viral, drawing thousands of likes, shares, and comments.
Onwuka Wisdom Responds: Proud of His Hustle
In response to the social media attention, Wisdom, who also identifies as Ambassador Wisdom, CEO of Ambassador Global Communication, expressed gratitude to those who visited his shop. He took the opportunity to introduce himself and highlight his academic credentials:
“Thank you so much for stopping by at my store. My name is Ambassador Wisdom. I had my first degree in Biochemistry, First Class Hons., from Covenant University,” he tweeted along with a picture of a satisfied customer.
His story has sparked discussions on the role of higher education in entrepreneurship and the value of combining intellectual and economic pursuits.
Social Media Reacts: Education vs. Entrepreneurship
Reactions to Wisdom’s career path have been largely positive, with many highlighting that education can complement business success rather than limit it.
@c2sin4mi_ayinla tweeted, “Education is what remains in you if you have forgotten all you learn in school. It doesn’t mean you will work in an office, but it helps in everything you do.”
@ChifeDr added, “University education expands knowledge, perspectives, and opportunities. When traders are educated, they operate with a stronger foundation.”
@uchenna_iwuoha commented, “Education is power—intellectual power. Combining that with economic power through business is the ultimate advantage.”
@UgoJ3 pointed out, “School gave him structure, networks, and options. Today phone accessories, tomorrow anything. Education is optionality.”
@Aladecho5 observed, “Entrepreneurship is part of the Covenant University curriculum. His business idea may even stem from there.”
Other users emphasized that combining a strong academic background with a hands-on business approach could allow Wisdom’s store to grow into a major enterprise or e-commerce platform.
Covenant University Continues to Shine
Covenant University has long been celebrated for producing high-achieving graduates. In a related story, Chidera Duru, the best graduating student from the Department of Chemical Engineering, shared how she balanced academic excellence with entrepreneurial activities, graduating with a CGPA of 4.97. Her story, widely covered in the media, reinforces the institution’s commitment to fostering both intellectual and practical skills among students.
Education and Entrepreneurship: Complementary Paths
Onwuka Wisdom’s journey serves as a reminder that academic achievements and entrepreneurship are not mutually exclusive. While his first-class degree in Biochemistry may not directly align with his current business, the discipline, strategic thinking, and networks gained at Covenant University have equipped him to manage and grow a profitable venture.
This story continues to spark debates about the value of higher education, the flexibility it provides for career choices, and the innovative ways Nigerian graduates are applying their knowledge in the real world.
Key Takeaways
A Covenant University first-class graduate is successfully running a phone accessories business at Alaba Market.
Social media users debate the value of academic achievement versus direct entrepreneurial pursuits.
Wisdom demonstrates that education and business acumen can work hand in hand.
Covenant University’s graduates continue to influence various sectors of Nigerian society.
#CovenantUniversity #NigerianGraduates #Entrepreneurship #AlabaMarket #FirstClassGraduate #NigerianYouth #EducationAndBusiness
