I did nails, sold bed space, cakes to survive at UNILAG - Funke Akindele

Ace Nollywood producer Funke Akindele has revealed the diverse range of jobs she undertook to support herself while studying at the University of Lagos, recounting a particularly difficult experience where a dissatisfied customer slapped her over a nail job.

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When I was in 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.

In a recent interview with Bella Naija, the award-winning actress and filmmaker shared that she taught herself nail-making by observing others in Yaba. "When I was in 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 added that she would buy materials, stay in the corridor, and offer her services to people.

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I will buy them, stay in the corridor, and ask people to come and get their nails done.

Nail-making was just one of several ventures Akindele pursued during her studies. She also sold cakes, worked as a makeup artist, designed costumes, and sourced filming locations. "I was selling cakes. Bimpe Onakoya, the talented makeup artist, was buying cakes from me. She would make-up for me. I learnt from people making hair. I did make-up. I did costuming. I used to costume Aunty Bukky Wright. Even Iyabo Ojo then. I will go to Yaba and buy costumes and iron them," she recalled.

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I was selling cakes. Bimpe Onakoya, the talented makeup artist, was buying cakes from me. She would make-up for me.

Akindele also took on behind-the-scenes roles in the film industry, serving as a location manager. She even found unconventional ways to earn income on campus, including selling bed space. "I was a location manager. I will go to houses and knock. If they pay the owner N100,000, I can take 30 and pay the person 70. I sold bed space in UNILAG so I could survive. I am a hustler. That is why I am firm. Life taught me, and I cannot do otherwise," she stated.

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I learnt from people making hair. I did make-up. I did costuming. I used to costume Aunty Bukky Wright. Even Iyabo Ojo then. I will go to Yaba and buy costumes and iron them.