Scholarpreneurs in Nigeria – Akinluyi Sola Mathew
As part of our “Scholarpreneurs in Nigeria” series, we got a chance to run an interview by Akinluyi Sola Mathew, a Sociopreneur with a passion to see children educated and youth empowered. He holds a BSc Degree in Plant Science from Ekiti State University, Nigeria. His Podcast, Charity Connect Podcast, that connects Donors and Donees, NGOs and Volunteers and publicizes charity works and events has helped raised fund for the treatment of a Lymphatic Cancer patient.
Please read on, as he shares his startup experience to inspire other youths in Nigeria, Africa, and around the world.
Tell us About Yourself
My name is Akinluyi Sola Mathew, often called Sola Mathew. Of course, I’m a male born on the 24th of May. I’m from Ekiti state. I’m born into a family of 5 – 4 men and 1 woman. Well, my primary school education was in the North. Muhammed Primary School, Jalingo. Secondary education was in Ado Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state. From Class Captain to Time Keeper to Senior Prefect Boy. I was also the President of the Scripture Union. I studied Plant Science in Ekiti State University. I was one of the members of the Science Students Representative Council and later Financial Secretary of my Department Students Association.
Were you involved in any form of business or social entrepreneurship while in school?
Yes, while in school, I was involved in both business and social entrepreneurship. I had earlier studied a diploma course in computer engineering so when I gained admission, I was into Computer Repairs. I was also blogging along side. As regards social entrepreneurship, my friends and I started Christian Charity Network (CCN) through which we gather donations to orphanages.
What do you do now, and how did you get the idea to do this that you’re currently involved in?
I’m currently into Blogging and Podcasting. Like I said earlier, I started blogging while in school. When I graduated, I went further to learn media in in a Media school (WigMedia Institute). From there, I had the idea to start Charity Connect Podcast. Charity Connect Podcast is a podcast that connects Donors and Donees, NGOs and Volunteers and publicises charity works and events. I’m also into Web design.
What services does your brand offer basically?
We help individuals and organisations to design their websites and/or set up their podcasts. We sell materials on Web design and Podcasting.
What was your original mission in setting out, and how has that mission evolved since then?
Basically, it was to help the less privileged. To help people in general. Well, we are evolving and technology is helping us.
the road is not smooth but keep your eyes fixed on your dream. If you feel like giving up, go back to the WHY you started and think of the WHAT awaits you in the future
What were the biggest initial hurdles to establishing yourself in this industry and how did you overcome them?
Hmm. The biggest was fear. The fear to start but I’ve learnt that the only remedy to overcoming the fear of starting is starting. Another was finance and lack of adequate knowledge in the field. By God’s grace, I got some money eventually. I’m also learning and gathering more knowledge in the field now.
What mindset and habits has helped so far?
Mindset that I have a future awaiting me-a bright one. Habits? Optimism. Reading. Discipline.
What would you say was the single most influential factor keeping you in it?
Grace
Tell us about a time you failed, and how did you deal with the failure?
I had failed many times. However, while in school, I had bad results at a point. I even hard an F in a course… It was my biggest failure. I dealt with it by preparing more for the exam and I passed it. I have thus mindset that if you have not failed then you have not attempted to succeed.
What has been your greatest moment of success?
Starting Christian Charity Network. It opened other doors for me. Imagine, someone who was supposed to be giving but had no finance. We started and God’s seeing us through.
What is one thing you find to be true that most people would disagree with?
Failure is not just part of success. Its the beginning of success.
If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
Start Podcasting at age 5 (LOL).
Where do you see yourself and your brand in 5 Years?
In the next five years, I see myself travelling all over the world speaking to people and involved in more charitable causes. I see people connected to help one another via my podcast.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
I would have said “JUST START” but since he has started out already, don’t give up. The truth is the road is not smooth but keep your eyes fixed on your dream. If you feel like giving up, go back to the WHY you started and think of the WHAT awaits you in the future.
Thank you for your time
You’re welcome. Thanks for having me.
Follow Sola Mathew on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, get his free ebook on blogging and Podcasting at www.charityconnectpodcast.com
Our Scholarpreneurs in Nigeria series features brands and personalities who did businesses or started companies with some level of success as students, and are still doing so either as graduates or still as students. These are people who inspire and add values to the lives of others through what they do, and are still doing it. We hope that with this series, other youths and students around Nigeria and Africa will be inspired.
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