From Foodstuffs to Fashion, SUG Initiative Brings Campus Economy to Life
By Olufunmilayo Olusanya and Aliyah Adebisi
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Student Union Government (SUG) hosted a two-day trade fair themed "Oshodi Live in FUOYE" at the Phase 1 Main Auditorium on June 9 and 10, 2026.
The event, organised under the office of the SUG Financial Secretary, is a recurring initiative designed to give student entrepreneurs a platform to sell, showcase, and publicise their brands to the wider campus community. Raji Oluwatosin Taiwo, the SUG Financial Secretary, in an interview UCJ FUOYE explained that the fair was conceived to consolidate student businesses under one roof and amplify their reach. "The purpose of the trade fair is to bring student entrepreneurs together and build a large platform for them to sell and showcase their brands and businesses," he said. "This creates a larger audience, helps with visibility, and brings more promotions to their businesses." Taiwo noted that the fair has been a tradition upheld by successive Financial Secretaries, but added that this edition distinguished itself by running across two days rather than one.
"The trade fair has always been a ritual — every past SUG Financial Secretary has done it," he said. "What made this different is that it is a two-day programme." The auditorium drew a wide cross-section of campus vendors and shoppers, with stalls displaying foodstuffs, clothing, bags, accessories, and confectioneries, among other goods.
Student buyers and vendors alike responded positively to the initiative. Esther, a student who attended the fair, said she found the event both affordable and impactful for the businesses involved. "The trade fair has been really amazing," she said. "I was able to get so many items at a cheaper price compared to the market, and it really helps so many business owners with visibility and promotions."
Kebby, a student entrepreneur who exhibited at the fair, described the turnout as exceptional and said the event translated directly into stronger sales. "The trade fair has been wonderful so far," she said. "I have been able to sell more of my goods than before, and the turnout was really huge. A lot of students came, and I haven't been able to sit because students were buying so many items. It is a really great opportunity for me."
The fair closed having served a dual purpose: providing students with access to goods at competitive prices while offering entrepreneurs meaningful exposure both within and beyond the university community