How to make money online in Nigeria as a student is a question many young people ask themselves as they try to balance academics with financial independence. The reality is, student life can be expensive, and relying solely on allowances is often not enough.
From side hustles to online gigs, there are now more opportunities than ever for students to earn extra income without neglecting their studies. In this article, I’ll share practical strategies, personal experiences, and proven ways on how to make money online in Nigeria as a student, so you too can start building financial freedom early.
How To Make Money Online In Nigeria As A Student, According to 16 Students
With the rising cost of living and the need to support daily expenses, students are increasingly turning to the internet for flexible ways to earn extra income. The good news is that there are now flexible opportunities to make money online in Nigeria as a student, allowing you to work from your phone or laptop.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical and proven methods on how to make money online in Nigeria as a student and succeed.
1. Tutoring Services
“Tutoring was my first hustle at making money online in Nigeria as a student. I was good at math, and friends often came to me before exams. One day, a classmate joked, “You should be charging us for this.” I laughed, but the idea stuck.
I started small: $5 an hour, just helping people revise. Then I printed flyers and stuck them around campus, and that was when it clicked.
The hardest part was pricing myself. At first, I undercharged because I was scared people wouldn’t pay, but as students joined the lessons and passed, students didn’t mind paying N5,000 to N10,000 per if it meant they passed. Online, the rates were even higher. I tutored a high school student in Canada over Zoom for $50 an hour. That was my “wow” moment: the internet makes your skills more valuable.” — Aisha, an Ibadan-based student, has taught more than 100 students Maths from around the world.
How to start
1. Pick 1–2 subjects you’re strong at.
2. Make a short syllabus (what you’ll cover in 4–6 sessions).
3. Advertise: campus boards, WhatsApp, Facebook groups, and flyers with contact details.
4. Offer one free trial session or a discount for small groups.
5. Collect testimonials and ask for referrals.
Typical earnings: N5,000 – 10,00 per week; $30–$60/hr online for international students.
Lesson learned: Charge for clarity and outcomes. Students will pay for results.
2. Selling Used Items
The first time I made money online, I sold something: an old phone sitting in my drawer. I posted it on Facebook Marketplace, and someone offered me $60. That $60 felt like free money, because the phone was basically useless to me.
That experience made me start looking around my room differently. Old textbooks? Sell. Clothes I no longer wear? Sell. Even my extra headphones? Sell. Slowly, I built a small side income just by decluttering.
The funny part was that friends started asking me to sell their items too. I’d take pictures, list them online, and take a small cut when they sold. It was like running a mini-consignment shop from my hostel. — Kofi made $2k selling off old items on Facebook Marketplace.
How to start
1. Sort items and clean them.
2. Take clear photos from multiple angles.
3. Write honest descriptions and set a firm price (leave room to negotiate).
4. Post to Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and local buy/sell groups.
5. Offer local pickup or low-cost delivery.
Typical earnings: $10–$200 per item, depending on category.
Lesson learned: Presentation sells. Clean the items, take good photos, and you get faster sales.
3. Social media influencing
I never set out to be an influencer. I just liked posting pictures of my study setups, outfits, and little motivational quotes. Slowly, people started following. Then one day, a small skincare brand DMed me: “We’d love to send you products for a shout-out.”
At first, I was just excited about free stuff. But when another brand offered me $50 for a post, I realized: Wait… people are actually paying me for this?
It wasn’t easy. Growing an audience takes patience. I had to learn how to take better photos, edit videos, and be consistent. The first 1,000 followers felt like the hardest. But once I hit that, things snowballed.
Now, I wouldn’t call myself a full-time influencer, but every so often, I get $100–$300 for brand deals. Some months, that covered my entire food budget. — Tolu, a Lagos-based video-game influencer.
How to start
1. Pick a narrow niche (e.g., study tips, budget fashion).
2. Post consistently: 3–5 times weekly with storytelling.
3. Engage: reply to comments, join niche conversations.
4. Create a simple media kit (followers, engagement, audience).
5. DM small brands or join influencer platforms for campaigns.
Typical earnings: $50–$500/post for micro-influencers; higher with scale.
Lesson learned: Authenticity with niche beats chasing trends.
4. Creating an Online Course
I created an online course, and I started making money online. This hustle came after I got good at using Canva and Photoshop. Friends would ask me, “How did you design that flyer?” I found myself explaining the same things over and over. Then I thought, why not record it once and sell it?
I set up a Selar page and created a “Beginner’s Guide to Canva” course using just my phone screen recording and a voiceover. I priced it at $20. I was nervous no one would buy, but within a week, three people did, for $60, for content I only had to make once.
The best part was the passive income. Even months later, random people were still buying it. Unlike tutoring, where I traded hours for money, the course kept selling even when I wasn’t involved. — Nneka made $5K in the past year selling her Canva course.
How to start
1. Pick a specific outcome (e.g., “Create a 1-page CV in Canva”).
2. Outline modules and record short lessons (5–15 minutes each).
3. Edit, add captions, and downloadable PDFs.
4. Host on Selar and Gumroad
5. Share on your website and offer an early-bird discount.
Typical earnings: $100–$2,000+ over time (passive).
Lesson learned: Evergreen courses sell slowly but reliably, and promote them.
5. Freelance Jobs
Freelancing changed everything for me about making money online. I still remember my first Fiverr gig, which was writing a 500-word blog post for $15. It wasn’t much, but when the money hit my account, I nearly screamed. Someone across the world paid me for my words.
From there, I started building a portfolio. At first, it was slow. I’d send dozens of proposals and get rejected. But with each small job, I added to my profile. $15 became $30, then $50, then $100.
The beauty of freelancing is flexibility. I could work between classes, at night, even during holidays. I wasn’t limited to my city as I had clients globally. — Emeka, based in Enugu, has built a career in freelancing writing for Nigerian and international clients.
How to start
1. Choose 1–2 services you can deliver well (writing, logo design, editing).
2. Build a portfolio (even school projects).
3. Create clear gig descriptions and sample work.
4. Send personalized proposals.
5. Overdeliver for a 5-star review and repeat clients.
Typical earnings: $5–$50 per gig starting out; $200–$1,000+ for larger projects.
Lesson learned: Ratings and reliability are your resume. Work for it.
6. YouTube Channel
YouTube was something I had admired from afar for years. I used to binge-watch creators and wonder, what if I did this too? But the fear of judgment stopped me. One day, I decided to record a “Day in My Life as a Uni Student in Nigeria” video. I edited it on a free app, posted it, and honestly expected nothing.
For two weeks, it sat at 50 views from my friends. Then, slowly, it began to climb. First 500. Then 1,000. By the end of the month, 10,000 people had watched my very normal day. I was shocked.
It took months of consistency before I got monetized. I remember the first time YouTube deposited money into my account. It was just $48, but it felt like proof that sharing your life can literally pay bills. I also learned how much work goes into creating content: scripting, filming, editing, thumbnails, and SEO. It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding if you stick with it. — Fatima, an Abuja-based YouTuber.
How to start
1. Pick a content format (vlog, tutorial, review).
2. Plan short scripts and a publishing schedule.
3. Start with your phone; focus on clear audio and steady shots.
4. Edit using free software; design clickable thumbnails.
5. Repurpose long videos into shorts to grow faster.
Typical earnings: ~$2–$5 per 1,000 views (ad revenue); sponsorships $100–$1,000+.
Lesson learned: Build a content system by batching film, editing, and scheduling.
7. Blogging
Blogging started as a form of journaling for me. I would write about exams, freelancing, and the funny things that happened on campus. At first, nobody cared except my close friends, but the more I wrote, the more strangers found my posts through Google.
It took me six months to earn my first $30 from ads. Six months! But it taught me patience, and by the time I hit one year, my blog was getting 10,000 visits a month, and suddenly brands were emailing me about sponsored posts. I earned $250 for a post, more than I made in three weeks of café work.
Blogging taught me the power of digital real estate: once a post is written, it can attract readers (and money) for years without me having to touch it. — Samuel, a fashion blogger, based in Port Harcourt.
How to start
1. Choose a niche and a domain name.
2. Set up WordPress or use Medium.
3. Create a content calendar and write 4–8 pillar posts.
4. Learn basics of SEO (keywords, headings, meta).
5. Monetize with ads (AdSense), affiliates, or sponsored posts.
Typical earnings: $50–$500/month early; $1,000+ with scale.
Lesson learned: Content compounds. Old posts keep paying if they rank.
8. Content Creation (TikTok/IG Reels)
TikTok was where I discovered the magic of “virality.” One night, I made a silly skit about campus struggles and posted it without overthinking, and the next day, I woke up to lots of messages and calls from my friends. It had gone viral, with 50,000 views. My follower count jumped by thousands in days.
That was my lightbulb moment. With TikTok, you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be consistent and relatable. I started posting every day: funny moments, motivational tips, even short tutorials. Some flopped. Others blew up.
Soon, I joined the TikTok Creator Fund, earning $100–$200 a month. Then, small brands reached out for shoutouts. It wasn’t a stable income, but it added u,p and it opened doors I never imagined. — Zainab is a content creator based in Lagos State.
How to start
1. Choose content pillars (humor, tips, tutorials).
2. Batch-create 5–10 short videos weekly.
3. Use trending sounds and add your unique angle.
4. Post often and engage in the comments for the first hour.
5. Convert followers to other platforms or offers.
Typical earnings: $50–$500/month early (creator fund + deals).
Lesson learned: Speed matters. Act on trends quickly, but be yourself.
Rick Aqua’s Journey from Accounting to Tech Content Creation
9. Content Writing
Writing became my bread and butter. I started by cold-emailing blogs I loved: “Hi, I’m a student writer. Could I contribute?” Most ignored me. But one said yes, and paid me $25 for a 1,000-word post.
That was my entry point. Soon, I was writing blog posts, website copy, and even social media captions for businesses. I learned to adapt my style to each client. Some wanted formal, others conversational. At my peak, I was earning $500 a month just from writing. All from my laptop in my hostel room. — Ibrahim, is a content writer based in Abuja.
How to start
1. Identify niches (tech, lifestyle, finance).
2. Create 3–5 writing samples.
3. Cold email blogs/startups offering a trial post.
4. Ask for feedback and offer retainer packages.
5. Systematize with templates for pitches and invoices.
Typical earnings: $20–$150/article; retainers $300+/month.
Lesson learned: Clear briefs save time; charge for revisions.
10. Graphic Design
When I first opened Canva, I thought design was just playing with fonts, but the more I practiced, the more I realized design is communication. Flyers, social media posts, logos. They all had a purpose.
My first paid gig was a N2,000 flyer for a student event. Then I did a logo for N5,000. Over time, I learned Photoshop and Illustrator, which allowed me to charge higher rates. A single logo project once paid me $150. Money that would have taken me weeks at my café job.
Design taught me to see the world differently: color, layout, balance. It also taught me that creativity sells. — Mercy, a freelance graphics designer based in Lagos, has designs across different industries.
How to start
1. Learn basics (Canva) and build sample pieces.
2. Create a simple portfolio (Instagram or PDF).
3. Offer low-cost introductory work to local groups.
4. Ask for detailed briefs and provide 2 revisions.
5. Move to higher prices as your portfolio grows.
Typical earnings: $20–$200/design.
Lesson learned: Clear scope and deadlines prevent scope creep.
11. Programming / Web Development
Programming was intimidating at first. HTML, CSS, JavaScript. It felt like another language, but I stuck with it and built small projects for practice.
My breakthrough came when I built a website for my student club. They loved it. Later, a local business owner saw it and asked if I could make one for his shop. I quoted $300, expecting him to negotiate. He said yes immediately.
That was my first big payment in one go. It felt unreal. Eventually, I learned WordPress, which sped up projects, and I started charging $500–$1,000 per site. — Daniel, a web developer, is a digital nomad.
How to start
1. Learn basics (HTML/CSS) and WordPress.
2. Build demo sites to show.
3. Offer a simple package.
4. Upsell hosting and maintenance.
5. Use GitHub or a portfolio site to show work.
Typical earnings: $200–$1,000+ per site; maintenance $20–$100/month.
Lesson learned: Shipping fast and offering maintenance builds recurring income.
12. Social Media Management
A café near campus had a great menu but terrible social media. I pitched myself: “Let me run your Instagram. I’ll bring you customers.” They agreed on N50K/month.
I took photos of food, wrote witty captions, and ran giveaways. Within three months, their followers doubled, and the owner gave me a $50 bonus. That gig opened the door to other social media management jobs and also made me realize small businesses don’t have time to manage socials, yet they know they need it. If you can do it well, you’re valuable. — Bola, is a social media manager
How to start
1. Do a quick social audit for a local business.
2. Propose a 30-day plan (content + posting schedule).
3. Use scheduling tools (Buffer, Later).
4. Track simple metrics (growth, engagement).
5. Report results monthly and adjust.
Typical earnings: $150–$500/month per client.
Lesson learned: Results (followers/customers) sell your service louder than promises.
13. Photography
I bought a used DSLR with savings from tutoring. At first, I shot for friends for free on birthdays, hangouts, and random shoots. I posted the photos on Instagram, and soon, strangers started DMing me: “How much do you charge?”
I started with $30. Then $50. Then $100 for graduation photos. Photography gave me not only income but also access to events I never would’ve attended. Once, I shot a wedding and earned $400 in one weekend. — Yemi is an Abuja-based photographer
How to start
1. Learn composition and natural lighting basics.
2. Build a small portfolio with free shoots.
3. Offer packages (portraits, events) with clear deliverables.
4. Use Google Drive or a gallery to deliver images.
5. Ask clients to tag and refer you.
Typical earnings: $50–$300/shoot; weddings $300–$1,000+.
Lesson learned: A reliable turnaround and good communication win repeat clients.
14. Dropshipping
This was a rollercoaster. I set up a Shopify store selling phone cases. I spent hours choosing designs, writing descriptions, and running ads. The first sale took two weeks. A $19.99 phone case with $10 profit. I was ecstatic, but then came the hard part: customer complaints, shipping delays, and refunds. It wasn’t easy.
Still, I had months where I made $500 profit, which covered most of my expenses. It showed me e-commerce is real, but not as “easy” as gurus make it seem. — Linda, made $3K in the last quarter through dropshipping
How to start
1. Pick a small niche and test 5 products.
2. Create a Shopify store and write clear product copy.
3. Use trusted suppliers (AliExpress, vetted dropshippers).
4. Run small ad tests and measure cost per acquisition.
5. Improve product pages & customer service based on feedback.
Typical earnings: $100–$1,000/month (varies widely).
Lesson learned: Margins are thin, but excellent customer service sets you apart.
15. Reselling Thrift Clothes
I had an eye for style, so I’d shop on weekends. I’d find trendy jackets for $5 and resell them for $15 or $20. I modeled them myself on Instagram, and people loved it. Once, I bought a vintage jacket for $8 and sold it for $60. It felt magical that I could sell to people and make money online as a student in Nigeria — Sade, is an Economics student at the University of Lagos.
How to start
1. Source items at thrift markets.
2. Clean, repair, and steam each piece.
3. Photograph on a simple backdrop or of you.
4. Post with measurements and honest condition notes.
5. Offer local pickup or affordable shipping.
Typical earnings: $50–$500+/month depending on volume.
Lesson learned: Curation beats quantity. Sell pieces people want now.
16. Virtual Assistant Work
One holiday, I applied for a VA job online. The client was a small-business owner in the U.S. She paid me $12/hour to answer emails, manage her calendar, and conduct light research.
It wasn’t glamorous, but I could make money online as a student in Nigeria from my hostel, on my laptop, in my pajamas. The steady pay from the online job added up quickly. To my income. — Joshua, a virtual assistant
How to start
1. Decide which VA services you offer (email, scheduling, research).
2. Create a short onboarding doc and price list.
3. Apply on platforms or pitch to small business owners.
4. Use productivity tools (Google Workspace, Trello).
5. Offer a trial week and then a retainer.
Typical earnings: $8–$25/hr; retainers $150+/month.
Lesson learned: Reliability and communication are your top selling points.
Five Steps on How to Make Money Online as a Student in Nigeria
1. Identify your skill or service
The first step is knowing what you can offer online. This could be writing, graphic design, social media management, coding, video editing, or even selling digital products. Focus on one skill you enjoy and can improve over time.
2. Find the right platforms to get gigs
Sign up on trusted freelance websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. You can also explore opportunities on social media or directly pitch your services to small businesses. These platforms connect you to clients abroad who are willing to pay in dollars.
3. Build a simple online presence
Create a LinkedIn profile, Instagram page, or personal portfolio website that showcases your work. Clients often trust students who look professional online. Even a simple Google Drive folder with samples can help you land your first gig.
4. Deliver quality and build relationships
When you get your first job, do it well. Satisfied clients usually come back with more work and recommend you to others. Consistency and reliability are key to long-term income online.
5. Get paid safely
One of the biggest challenges for students in Nigeria is receiving payments from abroad. Well, you don’t have to worry again about this, as Accrue is here to help. With Accrue, you can easily receive money from international clients in dollars, convert it to Naira, and withdraw directly into your local bank account. It makes earning online stress-free and secure.
I’ve lived many lives, but one lesson ties them all together: money is only as powerful as its utility. Through my work, I share stories about money and create guides for Africans who want to get the best out of theirs.