The economy of Nigeria has not had the best of moments in recent years. The brunt of hardship is typically felt by the average citizen of Nigeria, particularly students who have little to no sources of income. One of the ways to make the situation better, as a student in Nigeria, is to start a small business as a side hustle.
Starting a business in Nigeria as a student gives you the privilege to earn real life entrepreneurial experience, while also helping you stay debt free in school. You can find a way to adequately balance your school life, and your flexible side gig.
What’s even more interesting is that there are numerous business ideas for students in Nigeria to engage in. It is ideal that you build it around something you naturally enjoy doing, and one that won’t take away from your study schedule.
In this article, we have presented you with some low-barrier business ideas for students in Nigeria. Do well to explore the content of this page, and choose for yourself which business ideas aligns best with your needs and capabilities as a student.
Student Business Ideas
Cleaning services
Starting a cleaning service is one of the low-barrier business enterprises for students in Nigeria to get into, and it is profitable regardless. You can venture into this business by checking in with house agents and caretakers, offering to help new residents clean their flats before they move in.
You can also extend your services to include laundry services, and doing dishes for other students. Furthermore, you will be shocked to find out the number of students who are willing to pay for these things to get done for them.
Dropshipping
With the right knowledge, you can easily venture into drop-shipping as a student in Nigeria. This is a very flexible method of trading, as you do not have to worry about stocking your inventory or managing a warehouse for your goods.
If you have design and marketing skills, this business idea will work perfectly for you, because these skills can be effectively utilized to drive sales. All you need is a good mobile device, internet connection, and a supplier. In some cases, you also have to make arrangements for courier service.
Beauty services
Beauty services are one of the lowest barriers business students in Nigeria can use as a side hustle. These services could be tailoring, hairdressing, barbing, pedicure and spa services. Some of these might require that you undergo a little training. For beginners, they also require very little equipment.
Since you are a student, there certainly always will be a market for the beauty services you choose to offer.
Organize on-campus events
Just like how event promotion business works in the outside entertainment world, students can also delve into this sector and make the campus their playground. You can go into event planning, organize fashion events, film shows, beauty contests, games, talent hunts, etc. Talk and connect with student bodies, find out what it will take you to pull an event off.
You can generate income by selling tickets or connecting with local businesses that also target the student market to get sponsorships.
Create and sell student resources
As a student, you can create course materials in your field to help other students who do not really understand the course. These materials can either be soft copies or physical handouts. You can create resources for students in your level and below, then charge a fee for it.
In several cases, you do not even need to create new materials from scratch. You can simply make copies of your old notes and/or jottings and put them up for sale. They will serve as explanatory course materials for your customers.
Copywriting
If you have a flair for writing, and you can get really creative with words, especially when it comes to selling a product or service, then you might consider becoming a copywriter.
Over the past few years, businesses have realized the importance of copywriters, and have prioritized hiring one to help create content, email campaigns, ads, etc. There are endless opportunities for copywriters on freelance platforms like Upwork and Freelancer.com.
Fashion Thrift Business
The fashion thrift business in Nigeria has enjoyed a wide boom since the late 80s and the demand for secondhand fashion items does not seem to be slowing down any time soon. As a student, you are already part of an ideal market for fashion thrift business, all you just have to do is take advantage of it.
You do not even need a shop or stand to get into this business, you can advertise your wares on Whatsapp or any social media app that has your target audience on it.
POS Business
Another business idea you should consider exploring as a student in Nigeria is the point-of-sale terminal business. When you dispense cash to people, you earn commissions on your transactions from the financial institution who’s POS terminal you use, plus charges on withdrawals.
Sell Foodstuffs
Food items are one of the most in-demand products in areas where students live, especially if you stay in a hostel. This business model however will require a little bit of capital. Look for a farm market where foodstuffs are relatively cheaper, shop for things like dried fish, garri, yam, and basically things that are not easily perishable. Take them to your campus and resell in smaller and economical quantities.
Photography Business
Photography is another small business that allows you as a student to flex your creativity, while also making a living off it. This business will require that you take some photography lessons, and considering the advanced quality of mobile phone cameras in recent times, you do not necessarily have to wait till you purchase your own professional camera.
If you can invest in a professional digital camera, you should build a portfolio of gigs, you can cover events like weddings and religious events on weekends. That way, work does not disrupt your studies.
Conclusion
The commercial atmosphere in an academic environment can be quite a buzz, and as a student, you can take advantage of that by utilizing any of the business ideas for students in Nigeria mentioned in this article.