Mohammad Nimatallahi Kpayero, a 500-Level Law student at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), is redefining entrepreneurship for Nigerian youths. At just 20-something, she has transformed a centuries-old shea butter trade from her hometown in Baruten Local Government, Kwara State, into a flourishing business that empowers women, employs students, and attracts customers globally.
Heritage as Inspiration
Growing up in a community where women produced shea butter yet received little recognition, Nimatallahi was determined to spotlight their contributions. “These women have been doing this for years without acknowledgment. I wanted to turn their craft into something bigger,” she explains.
Her venture, Baru Shea Butter, offers a range of products — from natural and refined shea butter to specialized skincare lines such as glow butter, baby butter, and hair-growth butter. The brand represents not just a business, but a celebration of identity, culture, and resilience.
Navigating Challenges with Persistence
Balancing a demanding law curriculum with entrepreneurship hasn’t been easy. Nimatallahi recalls moments of doubt: “There were days with no sales. Balancing schoolwork and business was frustrating. But I knew giving up wasn’t an option.”
She devised a schedule that prioritizes weekdays for lectures and weekends for deliveries, while urgent orders during the week are handled through dispatch riders, even at extra cost. “Planning is everything. Without organization, both school and business can overwhelm you,” she notes.
Creating Jobs, Not Just Income
Amidst Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis — which saw youth (15-24) unemployment at 6.5% in Q2 2024 — Nimatallahi’s business stands out as a solution-driven model. Currently, she employs five students and aims to scale further.
“Most youths are busy complaining. I chose to act. If I can employ five today, I aspire to employ thousands tomorrow through Baru Shea Butter,” she says.
Employees attest to the impact: Mohammed G. Mohammed, a student staffer, says, “This job has helped me handle my finances independently without bothering my parents.” Charity Amodochi adds, “Working here allows me to pay my bills and manage personal needs while studying.”
Recognition and Global Reach
Baru Shea Butter’s impact has not gone unnoticed. A provost guest speaker at a campus event highlighted her business as a model for student entrepreneurship nationwide. Customer feedback, both locally and internationally, has further validated her work. “When a customer messages saying our butter helped their skin or baby, I feel proud — it’s my affirmation,” she shares.
Passion Over Profession
Although studying law, Nimatallahi’s heart lies in entrepreneurship. “I don’t find joy in practicing law. I thrive in entrepreneurship — the challenges, the sleepless nights, the joy of creating jobs. Maybe one day I’ll balance both, but for now, shea butter is my passion,” she affirms.
Expert Advice: Balancing Academics and Business
Dr. Ibrahim Abayomi Ogunyinka, lecturer of Clinical Pharmacy at Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto, praises her initiative but cautions students: “Juggling academics and business is admirable but challenging. Without multitasking skills, either school or business may suffer.”
He emphasizes the importance of government support for student entrepreneurs: “Early ventures are vital for tackling unemployment. Structured programs and support from authorities would make student entrepreneurship far more effective and sustainable.”
