Honestly, being an undergraduate in Nigeria is not easy. Not only do you have to struggle with your studies, you also have to battle with unexpected strikes and being broke!
Some students are lucky to have parents who can afford to take care of them throughout their studies, while some are not. But that doesn’t mean both categories don’t need money. We all do. We always do. So is there a way out?
Yes! How? Read on to find out 5 simple ways you can make money as a Nigerian student:
1. Become a Freelancer
When you possess a skill with which you provide services to clients without remaining employed to anyone in particular, you’re a freelancer. In this present age, freelancing is fast becoming one of the most lucrative ways to earn with your skills online. It’s even easier because you don’t need a physical office or many years of experience to start earning. With your phone, internet, and interest in learning new things, you can quickly join the train and start making some money in your free time. You can become a freelancer with digital skills such as:
- Copywriting
- Content writing
- Ghostwriting
- Editing
- Digital Marketing
- UI/UX, etc
There are also online platforms that you can access to get customers:
- Upwork
- Fiver
- Guru
- 99designs
- Freelancer, etc.
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2. Get Hired in a Computer Centre/Internet Café
In a university, computer centers are as easy to find as kiosks and provision shops. Therefore, you can check them out to see if there’s an opening. Or you can volunteer to do little tasks like:
- Printing
- Photocopying
- Scanning
- Typing, etc.
You may not get paid at first, but the cafe owner will likely consider you once they require a new staff member.
Furthermore, you should be on the lookout for periods like:
- Online registration periods
- Internship and Field Report periods
- End of session
where cafes will be at their busiest, richest, and in dire need of a helping hand.
3. How about Tutoring?
As a tutor, it’s not like you’ll be overthrowing your lecturer or anything. You’d only be making it easier for your mates to pass their courses. So be on the lookout for those in need of extra help, especially during test or exam periods. For a lecturer who doesn’t give out a handout, you can volunteer to take notes, print them out, and sell them for a small fee. Some of your mates will also be willing to pay you for private tutorials.
4. Sell to your Colleagues
This goes to the ladies who love stepping out in style at every lecture, especially those who live in hostels. As a person with a keen eye for an opportunity, you should pay attention to the fashionistas in your department before setting out for the market. You can buy what they’d not only like but also buy from you, again and again. This venture is not limited to clothes only. You can try out:
- Bags/purses
- Shoes
- Perfume
- Veils
- Earrings and bracelets, etc.
5. Fix Phones, Computers, or Calculators
No student finds it funny when their phone, laptop, or calculator gets spoiled. But with you to fix it, they won’t have to worry about going outside or spending more than they can afford.
Do you live in the hostel? There’s something for you too
- Can you plait hair?
Finding a hairdresser can be hard when you live in a hostel. But if you’re good at it, becoming one won’t be too hard. You can spread the word by going from room to room to advertise your services. Or scribble it on a piece of paper and paste it along hallways for others to see.
- How about selling provisions?
Sometimes, going out to buy something as little as bread, a pen, or even airtime can be stressful. But you can rescue yourself and others by selling items you’d need daily.
But while you’re hustling…
- Don’t forget that Education is still your main priority.
- Try to be honest in your dealings.
- Avoid cheating or making empty promises.
- Set some boundaries: record your transactions, and don’t be afraid to say no.
- Know your worth, and don’t undercharge your services.
- Don’t overcharge either.
- Always watch your mental health and conscience.
- Be wise in dealing with your finances.
- Have someone you can trust with your business for when you’re not available.
- Finally, fear God, always.
Also, know that not everyone is cut out for the above ventures, so don’t force yourself into doing something you aren’t comfortable with. And if you want to know more about online skills you can learn, have a look at the Top 10 Digital Skills on Demand in Nigeria.