Funke Akindele UNILAG Hustles reveal how the actress sold cakes, made nails and took side jobs while studying at the University of Lagos

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about the different side jobs she took while studying at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), revealing how those experiences helped shape her discipline and determination.

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Akindele shared the story during an interview with BellaNaija, where she recalled taking on several small businesses and creative jobs to support herself during her student years.

The actress said she learnt skills such as nail making and baking, using opportunities around her to earn money while completing her education.

“When I was at the University of Lagos, I used to make nails. I made nails for a girl one day, and she slapped me because they were rubbish,” Akindele said.

She explained that she learnt nail-making by watching others work in Yaba, after which she began offering the service to fellow students.

Akindele also revealed that she sold cakes, worked in make-up, handled costumes and even helped manage locations during her time at the university.

“I was selling cakes. Bimpe Onakoya, the talented make-up artist, was buying cakes from me. She would make me up,” she said.

The filmmaker added that she also customised outfits for established actresses and explored different areas of the entertainment industry before becoming one of Nollywood’s leading figures.

“I was a location manager. I would go to houses and knock. If they paid the owner N100,000, I could take 30 and pay the person 70. I sold bed space in UNILAG so I could survive,” she recalled.

Akindele described herself as a hustler, saying the challenges she faced as a student contributed to the confidence and discipline she carries today.

“I am a hustler. That is why I am firm. Life taught me, and I cannot do otherwise,” she said.

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The actress’ journey from university hustles to becoming a successful filmmaker has continued to inspire conversations about resilience, creativity and the value of early career experiences.