With the onset of a new school term in Nigeria, parents and guardians are once more bracing themselves for the cost of preparing their children for school. From school uniforms and textbooks to back packs, lunch boxes, and stationery, expenses mount quickly. While parents are strategizing about how to economize, entrepreneurs are capitalizing on the back-to-school period as a lucrative business opportunity.
For some, it was having a head start. Mrs. Ojo Tolulope, who has two kids, explained why she bought things months ahead of resumption. “The price was affordable and the quality was top-notch. I paid over ₦20,000 for a bag and lunchbox set last year, but this year I bought a handmade one for ₦12,500. If I had waited for shops to open, it would have doubled in price,” she stated.
Mothers like her are drawn to handwork products because they are durable. Another mother, who bought a ₦5,000 lunchbox, emphasized how long-lasting it is. “The last one I bought at ₦8,000 was prone to breaking easily. This one is tougher and keeps heat for a longer time,” she explained.
Producers like Mama Rachel, who produce schoolbags and lunchboxes manually, are witnessing astronomical sales during this period. “A bag costs ₦4,000 and a lunchbox costs ₦3,500. Resellers profit up to ₦7,500. I apply hard Mushin leather, so my products last longer than the ready-made ones,” she said.
Others like Mrs. Tokede Damilola focus on imported Grade 1 back-to-school items, which come in a bale form, usually. She explained how the business operates: “A bale will be about ₦430,000, depending on what’s inside. When you open it up, products such as Grade 1 school bags, sometimes even brand new, are sold at good margins. I make ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 profit from a single bale.”
Damilola highlighted the importance of acquiring products from trusted suppliers, recalling that Arena Market remains her number one platform. “When parents shop ahead, they miss out on price increases that draw nearer to reopening. It’s our busiest time, and clever sellers understand timing,” she clarified.
For beginners who want to join the trade, her advice is straightforward: wait patiently, source well, and target quality. “Once an open bale is opened, there’s no turning back. So, always check the grade before investing. Strategically pricing and keeping an eye on what sells quickly will keep you profitable,” she advised.
With schools re-opening soon, back-to-school season has grown beyond being a financial burden to parents it’s also an opportunity window for astute entrepreneurs converting adversity into thriving ventures.
