1. Freelancing (Writing, Design, Editing, etc.)
If you have a skill like writing, graphics design, video editing, or even voiceovers, you can earn money freelancing. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even local WhatsApp groups have opportunities for Nigerian students.
- Start-up cost: Just your laptop or smartphone and data.
- Earning potential: ₦50,000–₦200,000 monthly, depending on skill and effort.
- Pro tip: Use a Payora virtual card or PayPal account to receive payments from international clients.
2. Reselling Airtime & Data
Selling airtime and data is one of the easiest businesses for students. You don’t need a shop, just your phone. Platforms like Payora let you buy airtime and data at discounted rates and resell to friends, classmates, and hostel mates for profit.
- Start-up cost: As low as ₦1,000.
- Earning potential: ₦10,000–₦30,000 monthly, depending on your network.
- Why it works: Every student needs data daily for assignments, streaming, and social media.
3. Tutoring (Physical or Online)
If you’re strong in certain subjects, you can tutor other students or even secondary school students around campus. Online tutoring platforms are also becoming popular in Nigeria.
- Start-up cost: Zero, apart from printing flyers or data.
- Earning potential: ₦20,000–₦80,000 monthly.
- Pro tip: Package your tutoring into recorded lessons and sell them as a digital course.
4. Social Media Management
Small businesses around campus or in your community need someone to manage their Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. If you love creating content, this is a good fit.
- Start-up cost: Just your smartphone.
- Earning potential: ₦30,000–₦100,000 monthly per client.
- Bonus: This skill is in high demand—what starts as a side hustle can become a full-time career after school.
5. Selling Thrift Clothes (Okrika)
Thrift fashion is a booming market in Nigeria, especially among students. With a small capital, you can buy thrift clothes in bulk and resell on WhatsApp status, Instagram, or in hostels.
- Start-up cost: ₦5,000–₦15,000.
- Earning potential: ₦20,000–₦50,000 monthly.
- Pro tip: Focus on trending fashion items: cargo pants, vintage shirts, and sneakers.
6. Affiliate Marketing
Instead of selling your own products, you can promote other people’s products and earn a commission. Platforms like Jumia, Konga, and even some fintech apps offer affiliate programs.
- Start-up cost: Free to sign up.
- Earning potential: ₦10,000–₦150,000 depending on sales.
- Pro tip: Use TikTok and WhatsApp TV to promote products quickly.
7. Content Creation (TikTok, YouTube, Blogging)
If you enjoy being creative, you can turn content into money. Nigerian students are already making money from TikTok dances, YouTube vlogs, or blogging.
- Start-up cost: A good phone with a decent camera.
- Earning potential: ₦50,000–₦500,000 (depending on followers and consistency).
- Note: It takes time to grow, but once your audience builds, the rewards are huge.
8. Food Delivery or Snacks Business
Students love convenience. You can start selling small chops, homemade snacks, or even do food delivery for your hostel mates.
- Start-up cost: ₦3,000–₦20,000 depending on what you’re selling.
- Earning potential: ₦15,000–₦70,000 monthly.
- Pro tip: Use WhatsApp groups for advertising; most students buy food when they’re hungry, not when they plan.
9. Campus Photography / Video Editing
If you own a camera or even a smartphone with a good lens, you can take pictures for birthdays, matriculation, or convocation ceremonies. Combine with video editing for extra profit.
- Start-up cost: Your phone/camera.
- Earning potential: ₦20,000–₦150,000 depending on events.
- Bonus: Build your portfolio while still in school.
10. Selling Gift Cards & Crypto
Another popular student hustle is buying and selling gift cards or small crypto for profit. Platforms like Payora make it easier and safer to trade gift cards in Nigeria.
- Start-up cost: As low as ₦5,000.
- Earning potential: ₦10,000–₦100,000 monthly.
- Pro tip: Always use trusted platforms to avoid scams.
How to Balance Schoolwork and Side Hustles
Earning extra cash is great, but remember: school comes first. Here are a few tips to balance both:
- Choose flexible side hustles you can do in your spare time.
- Avoid hustles that will distract you during lectures or exams.
- Focus on one or two side hustles at a time instead of trying everything.
- Use digital tools like calendars or reminder apps to stay organized.
Conclusion
Having a side hustle as a Nigerian student in 2025 is almost a necessity, not just an option. The good news is that there are plenty of realistic ways to make money as a student, from reselling airtime and data, freelancing, and tutoring, to starting an online business.
Start small, stay consistent, and focus on building skills that can continue to pay you long after graduation. With platforms like Payora, managing airtime, data, virtual cards, and gift cards is easier than ever, making some of these hustles even smoother.
So, which side hustle will you start today?
