How to Make Money as a Student in Nigeria in 2025

Surviving the Nigerian economy “is not beans,” as many Nigerians would say. The truth today is that if you don’t make enough money, you may not even be able to afford to buy the beans. Lol, the most basic solution is to earn enough to satisfy one’s basic needs. However, I understand that this may be difficult for students because studying is their primary commitment, and it requires tangible hours. The good news is that I earned a solid income as a student and consistently performed at a high level. The better news today is that you can do it, as I want to show you how to make money as a student in Nigeria. Excited? Let’s go.

7 Ways to Make Money as a Student in Nigeria

Here are seven different ways to make money as a student in Nigeria;

Content Writing

I started content writing as a fun activity. I volunteered for my department’s editorial team and would cover the latest news around campus. A senior colleague saw it and introduced me to freelance platforms where I could monetise it. In no time, I received the Upwork Rising Talent badge, and the rest was history.

The game has changed today, as there are more ways to make money from content writing. You can develop your personal blogs and grow your audience. Another option is to send cold emails to brands to help them promote their product. All you need to be a good content writer is to be able to write about a wide range of topics to improve sales.

Content Creation

In this digital age, content creation is a popularly demanded skill. You also don’t need a fortune to start, as you can begin with;

A good phone or camera
A tripod stand, and
Decent lightning.

As a content creator, your responsibilities will include taking pictures and videos for brands to showcase their products. Since every business wants visibility, you need to build your social presence to demonstrate that you can reach a large number of followers.

Monetising Your Tech Skill

When people hear tech skills in Nigeria, everyone thinks it’s all about the software developers and heavy programmers. Well, that’s not true. Graphic design, data analysis, cybersecurity, and lots more are all tech skills you can monetise. If you are computer-literate, you can attend events on campus to network with people who are already monetising their tech skills.

Offline Marketing

What if you have a mini buttery in your room where people come to buy things? Sometimes, you have to start from where you are before you reach where you desire. I prefer to buy things from my fellow students to support their business and to save myself from the stress of leaving the hostel. So, why not?

With offline marketing, find out the needs of your fellow students, secure a supplier to always get goods, and ensure you do enough advertising (especially physical) to bring people to your room. Also, don’t let the lack of a huge capital discourage you. You can start with 10k and gradually grow into a bigger venture.

Gift Card Swapping

Gift card swapping is another way to make money as a student in Nigeria. Let me show you how.

Gift cards are preloaded cards that you can use to buy things from companies. That means they already have monetary value, which can range across different denominations. For example, one can purchase various in-app items from the App Store using a $100 Apple gift card.

You should also be aware that gift cards are region-specific. This means a Portugal Apple gift card differs from a Germany Apple gift card. Hence, a Nigerian who has been gifted a gift card from their loved ones outside of Nigeria cannot use it. That is where you come in.

You can help them convert their gift cards to cash on Ridima and get a commission from it. You can also be an active trader who buys gift cards from Ridima when the prices are low and sells when the prices increase.

Event Planning

I have a friend who does event planning. It was her side hustle while we were in school then. She would collaborate with departments and faculties to organise their dinners and parties. She slowly grew her audience, and today, this side hustle is her full-time work. If you love managing projects, event planning may be a good choice for you.

Tutoring

In the university, some lecturers are not great explainers. They just give highlights and expect students to study more. Others don’t have enough time to get into the details. As such, some students prefer someone who can tutor them and help them understand better. Oftentimes, it’s someone in a higher class, as they have mastered the low-level topics in the previous year(s).

How to Choose the Right Side Hustle as a Student in Nigeria

As a student, it is not enough to know the available side hustles to do. It is also important to know how to choose the right side hustles as a student in Nigeria. Hence, the section zooms in on how to help you make an informed decision.

You need to ask and answer the following questions;

How intense is your course load, and how many hours a week can you realistically give to a side hustle?
What excites you outside of academics?
Do you already have skills you can turn into income?
How big are you aiming to grow your hustle? Small and steady or something scalable?
Do you need quick cash now, or can you afford to build long-term?
Do you prefer working online or offline?
What capital, tools, or resources do you already have to kick things off?

Frequently Asked Questions on Making Money Online as a Student

Here are some of the frequently asked questions on how to make money as a student in Nigeria;

Question 1: Can I make money online as a student in Nigeria?

Yes, you can make money online as a student in Nigeria. You only need to ensure your course allows for the time, and you may be good to go.

Question 2: Where can I learn a tech skill as a student in Nigeria?

Of course, thanks to the digital age. As someone in a student environment, over 40% of Nigerian students I know are learning a tech skill. Coursera, Udemy, and Udacity are top platforms for learning. You can also watch out for free coupons.

Question 3: How can I make money as a student in Nigeria for free?

The free ways to make money as a student in Nigeria include selling your tech skills, writing for blogs, and trading gift cards. The most important thing is being able to market yourself.

Question 4: Which online platforms can I use to earn money as a student in Nigeria?

There are several online platforms that allow students in Nigeria to earn money. You can use Ridima to trade your gift cards and make a profit, or freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to sell your tech skills.

Question 5: What Business Can I Start With 5,000 Naira as a Student?

While 5,000 naira is a small amount of money, it can be a great way to start. You can start by buying and selling eggs, making beads, or selling snacks. However, it is advisable to allow your profit to compound with the capital till you have doubled the 5,000 naira.

Question 6: Can I Start a POS Business with 20k?

Yes, you can start a POS business with 20,000 naira. As a student, you don’t need to rent a shop. However, ensure your digital presence is strong enough to pull customers. With good financial management, you will increase substantially.

Conclusion

You can make money as a student in Nigeria with all of the above side hustles. However, you must know your capabilities before you start any. If you are uncertain about being able to do any side hustle while being a student, you can focus solely on your academics. Speak to your parents or more relatives who can support you with more allowance. The only clause is that you must graduate as a top student to make yourself and everyone who supported you proud.

Reference;

How to Make Money as a Student in Nigeria 2025 – Cardtonic

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