LASUED 400-Level Students Conduct Research on Casket Business, Photos Generate Reactions
A group of final-year students at Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) has garnered significant attention online after sharing photos of their academic research project focused on the casket business. The students, enrolled in the Economics Education department, were assigned to analyze the financial aspects of this unconventional trade as part of their coursework.
Details of the Research Project
Kokude Abosede Temitope, a 400-level student, explained in an interview that the project was conducted under the course code ECO 416. She and her coursemates were grouped to investigate the casket business, with objectives including understanding operational methods, determining initial capital requirements, pricing structures, and overall profitability. The research involved calculating the Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) to assess the business's financial viability.
Initially, the students expressed discomfort with the topic and requested a change from their lecturer. However, they were encouraged to proceed, citing that similar research had been conducted by students at the University of Ibadan. After completing their fieldwork, which included interviews with industry practitioners, the group discovered positive insights, noting that the casket business is a profitable venture often overlooked by investors.
Online Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Photos from the research project were posted on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where they quickly went viral. The post included a caption describing the project's goals and the challenges of final-year studies. Nigerians reacted with a mix of humor, shock, and support in the comments section.
- Solomon commented, "We shall all make it out of LASUED… this school is not for the weak-minded… PROUD TO BE AN ECONOMIST."
- Ms. Debbie expressed concerns about the academic rigor, saying, "Lasued imagine 300 level and 400 level used just a month for a semester? Omoh make person sha make am put of this school cus omoh."
- LASUED Parrot humorously noted, "If I’m added to this kind project I swear to God I won’t participate in it. God protect us all."
- IFE OLU WA added, "We will never be sent back home dead… at the end… We will all laugh at last."
The viral nature of the post highlights how academic projects can spark public discourse, blending education with real-world business analysis in a unique way.
Broader Context and Educational Implications
This incident underscores the practical approach taken by LASUED in its Economics Education program, encouraging students to explore diverse industries. By focusing on the casket business, the project challenges stereotypes and promotes critical thinking about niche markets. It also reflects a trend in Nigerian universities where students engage in research that addresses local economic issues, preparing them for future entrepreneurial endeavors.
As the photos continue to circulate online, they serve as a reminder of the innovative and sometimes controversial topics that students tackle in their academic journeys, fostering discussions about education, business, and cultural perceptions in Nigeria.
