Being a student in Nigeria doesn’t mean you have to depend fully on your parents or guardians for money. Many Nigerian students are already running small businesses and making money on the side while studying. You don’t need millions to start a business. What you need is an idea, some consistency, and a little capital—or in some cases, none at all.
Here are 12 unique and realistic business ideas for students in Nigeria:
1. Laundry Services (Washing and Ironing Clothes)
Many students don’t like doing laundry, especially when they are busy with schoolwork or just plain lazy. You can turn this into a business if you enjoy washing clothes and ironing. Start by offering your services to hostel mates. You’ll need a pressing iron, a bucket, and soap to begin. Over time, you can expand and even charge extra for pickup and delivery within the campus.
2. Graphic Design
Graphic design is in high demand. From flyers and posters to logos and social media designs, people are always in need of something creative. The good news is that you can learn graphic design online for free using YouTube or websites like Canva. Once you learn the skill, advertise your services to student groups, small business owners, and even lecturers.
3. Food Vendor / Cooking for Students
If you’re good at cooking, then this is a great way to make money. Many students don’t like cooking or are too busy. You can cook meals and sell them during lunch or dinner time. You can also take food orders and deliver them to hostels or lecture halls. Start with small portions, keep it clean and tasty, and you’ll grow through word-of-mouth.
4. Tutorials
If you’re good in a subject like Mathematics, English, Accounting, or any course in your department, you can start a tutorial class for your fellow students or even secondary school students nearby. You can do it online (using WhatsApp or Zoom) or in person. Charge a small fee per session or monthly.
5. Phone Charging Business
In areas where electricity is not stable, a phone charging business can be a goldmine. All you need is a small generator and a power extension box. Many students are willing to pay ₦50–₦100 to charge their phones. You can also charge power banks and other gadgets for a fee.
6. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing means promoting other people’s products and getting paid when someone buys through your link. You can promote books, electronics, courses, clothes, and more. Jumia, Konga, and other Nigerian companies have affiliate programs. You don’t need capital—just your phone, data, and social media or WhatsApp.
7. Wig and Hair Styling Business
If you know how to make hair or install wigs, you can start this business with little capital. Most female students like to change their looks often and will pay to get their wigs installed or braided. You can start by practising on your friends for free, then start charging as your skill improves.
8. Mini Importation
With as little as ₦10,000, you can start importing cheap but quality goods from websites like Alibaba, 1688, or Temu Aliexpress. Products like phone accessories, jewellery, wristwatches, and beauty items sell well. You can sell them to fellow students or online via Instagram or WhatsApp.
9. Social Media Management
Many small businesses and even some lecturers don’t know how to handle their social media. If you know how to grow a page, create content, and respond to messages, then you can offer to manage social media accounts for businesses. Learn basic content creation and use free tools like Canva or CapCut to assist.
10. Blogging / YouTube / TikTok Content Creation
If you love writing or being on camera, consider blogging or creating content for YouTube or TikTok. You can share your student life, educational tips, or funny videos. With time, you can monetise through ads, sponsorships, and even product sales. Growing may take a while, but it’s a great long-term plan.
11. Printing and Typing Services
Students always need to print assignments, projects, and notes. If you have access to a printer and a laptop, you can start a small printing and typing service in your hostel. Charge per page and offer typing help for those who are too busy. Add scanning and photocopying as you grow.
12. Shoes and Clothes Thrift Business
You can buy fairly used clothes or shoes (known as “Okrika” or thrift) at low prices and resell them to other students at a profit. Places like Yaba or Katangua in Lagos offer good deals. Clean and package the items nicely, then take pictures, post them online, or sell them in person.
Final Tips for Student Entrepreneurs
- Start small: Don’t wait to get ₦100,000 before starting. Use what you have.
- Be consistent: Success won’t come overnight, but consistency pays.
- Manage your time: Don’t let your business affect your studies. Balance both.
- Use social media: Promote your services on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Save and reinvest: Avoid spending all your profits. Reinvest in your business.
Conclusion
You don’t have to wait until after graduation before you start making money. As a student in Nigeria, there are plenty of business opportunities around you. Whether it’s washing clothes, designing flyers, cooking, or selling products online, you can start something with little or no capital. Just pick an idea that suits your interest, learn what you need to learn, and start small. Your journey to financial freedom can begin right from your hostel or classroom.
