Top 5 Side Hustles For Nigerian Students In 2024

Many Nigerian students are now seeking ways to earn extra money while studying. The cost of living is rising, and students want to save more or become independent. They no longer rely on what their parents or guardians give them. Instead, they’re finding side hustles to help them make more cash.

Luckily, there are many side hustles for Nigerian students that they can do, like tutoring, freelancing, or affiliate marketing. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 side hustles for Nigerian students and how to balance it with your academic activities.

Tutoring

If you have some knowledge or a skill, tutoring someone with the same interests can be a high-paying side hustle and easy way to make money. The good part is that you don’t have to be super smart to become a tutor.

Today, tutoring doesn’t have to be done face to face. You can teach things like how to braid hair, play the guitar, do math, or speak a new language online. You can use platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, or Google Meet to reach students. If it’s hard to find clients, you can also find tutoring jobs on popular websites.

One of the good things about tutoring is that whether you’re into academics or the arts, there’s always someone who wants to learn what you know. It doesn’t cost much to get started, and if you create videos online, you can reach more people and earn from ads or viewers.

On the downside, building a good reputation and finding regular students can take time. Also, tutoring one person at a time can limit how much you make, so try creating short videos that reach more people to grow your business.

Freelancing

Freelancing is a great side hustle for Nigerian students to earn money online. But what does freelancing mean?

In simple terms, freelancing is when you offer your skills or services to clients for different projects as an independent worker. You can do all kinds of work, like writing, graphic design, programming, digital marketing, or even being a virtual assistant. The options are endless!

One of the best things about freelancing is that you’re your own boss. No fixed work hours and no difficult coworkers. You get to pick projects that match your skills, interests, and free time. The best part is that you can earn even more than you would at a normal 9-5 job.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an easy way to start a side hustle for Nigerian students. It is a way of selling products online without keeping them in stock. Instead of handling products yourself, the supplier takes care of storing, packing, and shipping the items. You act as the go-between. When a customer buys something from your online store, the supplier sends it directly to them. Platforms like Shopify and Komback help you set up your online store, and you can find suppliers on websites like AliExpress. As the business owner, you work from home, managing orders and talking to customers. Popular items to sell include clothes, kitchen items, and personal-care products.

Blogging

Many Nigerian students are turning to blogging as a side hustle because it can pay well, especially if you enjoy writing. Blogging means posting content regularly on a website. It’s also one of the easiest businesses to start. All you need is a laptop, internet, and good writing skills, and you can run an online business to make extra cash. You can earn money through things like affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and ads.

Bloggers can make anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of naira each year, though the exact amount depends on many factors.

Social Media Management:

If you’re good with social media, you can turn that skill into a side hustle by offering social media management services. Many businesses find it hard to keep their online pages active and engaging, and that’s where you come in.

Learn how to use different social media platforms, create interesting content, and use your creativity to help businesses grow online. The best part is that you can do this job from home, making it a flexible option for earning extra money.

How To Balance A Side Hustle In University

Here are a few tips for balancing a side hustle with your university or college commitments:

Set goals

Before picking a side hustle, think about how much time you can spend and how much money you want to make. Knowing your schedule and financial goals will help you find the right side hustle.

It’s also a good idea to choose something that matches your career interests. For instance, tutoring can give you experience in teaching, while social media management or affiliate marketing can help you learn more about marketing.

Manage your schedule

When you choose a side hustle, you can set your own schedule instead of following a strict work routine. Start by writing down your full class schedule and any other activities you have, like clubs or hobbies. Then, pick specific hours each week to work on your side hustle, making sure it doesn’t get in the way of your schoolwork.

Build a network

Check out clubs at your college that relate to your side hustle. For instance, joining a writing group can help you improve your skills and find freelance work.

Look for networking events near you that connect to your side hustle. Try to meet with professors who have experience in your field and ask for advice. Also, apply for internships to meet professionals and make connections in the area you want to work in.

Identify and develop your skills

After setting your goals and schedule, write down the skills you need for your side hustle. For example, you might want to work on your communication skills, customer service skills, or technical skills like coding or design.

Do a SWOT analysis to find out the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for your side business. Look for business strategies to help you reach your goals, or check out your college library for resources to improve your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Money Online As A Student

Which App Is Best For Students To Earn Money?

There isn’t a single best app to make money, as the right one for you depends on your skills and interests. However, some popular choices for Nigerian students are Cardtonic, komback, Binance, Luno, Upwork, Fiverr, and Breet.

What Is The Cheapest Business To Start In Nigeria?

Students can start several low-cost online businesses, such as offering freelance services like writing or design, affiliate marketing, e-commerce (selling products online), and content creation. These businesses need very little money to start and can be run from home using just a laptop and an internet connection.

Which Business Is Most Profitable For Students?

How much money you can make depends on different factors, but some of the best online businesses for students are freelancing (offering popular services), e-commerce (selling specific products), and content creation (like YouTube or influencer marketing). These options can earn a lot of money if done correctly.

Conclusion

Starting a side hustles in Nigeria is not easy because of the internet. Technology has created many ways to make extra money. All you really need is a good idea, a laptop, and internet access to start earning. However, it does take hard work, determination, research, and courage.

By kingkentus