Fashion entrepreneur and mathematician Adedoyin Faith Akinwale has urged students to embrace discipline, effective time management, and strong networking skills to successfully combine academics with entrepreneurship.
Speaking on Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing, Akinwale, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Pritifaith Designs and founder of the Faith Clothes A Child Initiative, said balancing education and business requires focus, commitment, and a clear understanding of one’s strengths.
He explained that his passion for mathematics and fashion developed from a young age, enabling him to build a successful tailoring business while pursuing advanced studies in mathematics. According to him, academic achievements have enhanced his credibility, opened doors to opportunities, and contributed significantly to the growth of his brand.
Akinwale also highlighted challenges faced in the fashion industry, including difficulties in retaining skilled workers and changing public perceptions about tailoring as a profession. He said he remains committed to professionalism and delivering quality service, noting that he has not disappointed a client in the past three years.
On his philanthropic initiative, Faith Clothes A Child, Akinwale revealed that bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of transparency among some school administrators have posed challenges to distributing school uniforms to underprivileged pupils. Despite these obstacles, he said the initiative remains focused on supporting children genuinely in need and encouraging school attendance.
The entrepreneur stressed the importance of relationship-building, encouraging young business owners to speak confidently about their ventures and seek opportunities through networking.
Looking ahead, Akinwale said he hopes to become a professor of mathematics, establish a fashion school to train future designers, and expand the Faith Clothes A Child Initiative into a sustainable programme that will continue impacting lives for generations.
He added that his long-term goal is to create a lasting legacy through education, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
