By 9jaDirectory Careers | Updated: November 2025
ASUU strikes, rising costs, and limited allowances mean many Nigerian students need a side hustle. The best student business is:
- Low capital (start small, reinvest profit)
- Flexible time (fits around lectures and exams)
- Campus demand (you already have a market around you)
Student rule: pick one hustle for 60 days. Don’t jump from POS → crypto → perfumes every week.
1) POS Agent (Hostel Cash Point)
Every campus needs cash withdrawals and transfers. POS can work if you control fraud risk and cashflow.
- Startup: ₦30,000–₦100,000 (float + setup depending on provider)
- How you earn: charges per withdrawal/transfer
- Tip: keep records and set strict rules for credit.
2) Graphic Design / Canva Design
Campus events need flyers, logos, and banners. You can start with Canva on your phone and upgrade later.
- Startup: ₦0–₦15,000 (data + Canva Pro optional)
- Pricing: ₦2,000–₦20,000 per design depending on complexity
- Where to find clients: fellowships, departments, student entrepreneurs.
3) Tutoring (Academic + Exam Prep)
If you’re strong in a “hard course”, you can tutor juniors. Results and consistency bring referrals fast.
- Startup: ₦0
- Pricing: ₦2,000–₦10,000 per session or weekly bundles
- Tip: run group tutorials for better hourly income.
4) Social Media Management (For Small Shops)
Many SMEs want Instagram/TikTok content but don’t have time. If you can shoot and edit short videos, you can manage pages.
- Startup: ₦0–₦20,000 (data + basic tools)
- Pricing: ₦30,000–₦150,000/month depending on deliverables
- Where to start: nearby vendors, salons, campus businesses.
5) Perfume Oils / Skincare Reselling
Small, portable products sell well on campus. Focus on quality and repeat buyers.
- Startup: ₦10,000–₦50,000
- Tip: sample packs + referral discounts work well.
6) Mini Importation / Bulk Buying
Buy in bulk, split into smaller units, and sell on campus. Start with items you understand (accessories, gadgets, beauty items).
See our full guide: Mini Importation (China to Nigeria).
7) Laundry Pickup & Delivery (Hostel Service)
Offer pickup + delivery and partner with a local laundry or handle it yourself if you have capacity.
- Startup: ₦5,000–₦30,000
- Pricing: per basket or per item
8) Phone Repairs / Accessories
Phone-related services are evergreen. Start with accessories and learn repairs gradually.
Find vendors in Technology and Shopping & Retail.
9) Event Photography / Videography
Campus events need coverage. If you have a good phone camera, you can start and upgrade later.
- Startup: ₦0–₦50,000 (ring light, tripod)
- Tip: offer same-day highlights for premium pricing.
10) Food / Snacks Delivery (Smart Execution)
Don’t fight “big vendors”. Pick a niche: late-night delivery, healthy meals, or snacks for specific hostels.
Explore Restaurants & Food and learn packaging + consistency.
How to Get Customers Fast (Campus)
- Post results daily (delivery proof, testimonials).
- Use WhatsApp broadcast lists + class groups (respect rules).
- Offer referral rewards (₦200–₦500 discounts work).
- Create a profile page people can share: list your hustle on 9jaDirectory.
How to Choose the Right Student Hustle
Pick a hustle that fits your schedule and gives you skills you can sell after graduation. Use this simple decision framework:
- Time: can you run it during exams and busy weeks?
- Capital: can you start small and reinvest profits without borrowing?
- Demand: are people already paying for it on your campus?
- Repeat customers: does it bring weekly/monthly repeat business?
- Skill value: does it build a portfolio you can use later?
7-Day Validation Plan (Before You Spend Money)
- Day 1: choose one idea and define your offer (what you sell + price).
- Day 2: talk to 15 potential customers and ask what they really want.
- Day 3: create a simple flyer/post and share in 3 relevant groups.
- Day 4: collect 5–10 inquiries and refine your message.
- Day 5: get your first paid order (even small) to prove demand.
- Day 6: document results (photos, proof, testimonial).
- Day 7: repeat what worked and drop what didn’t.
Time Management (So You Don’t Fail School)
Make your hustle support your education, not destroy it. Block 1–2 hours daily for business tasks, keep one rest day, and automate where possible (WhatsApp quick replies, simple pricing, standard delivery days).
FAQ
What is the best business for a student with no capital?
Service businesses usually win: design, tutoring, social media management, writing, and repairs. You can start with skills and grow with referrals.
How do I get customers fast?
Sell to the people around you first (hostels, departments, fellowships). Post proof daily, use referrals, and keep your offer simple.
Money Management (So Your Hustle Actually Pays)
Many student businesses fail because money is mixed up. Use two simple rules:
- Separate float/capital from profit (don’t spend your stock money).
- Track every expense for 30 days (data, transport, packaging, ads) so you know your real profit.
Small discipline now builds skills that make you unstoppable after school.
Safety Tip (Avoid Campus Scams)
When money starts moving, scammers show up. Use simple protection: confirm transfers properly, avoid lending customers on credit, keep records, and never share OTPs or account logins. Build trust, but keep boundaries.
Conclusion
Don’t wait until graduation to learn business. Start small, stay consistent, and build skills that pay you for life.
Explore more opportunities in Education, Professional Services, and Technology.
Time Management (School + Business)
- Pick a hustle with predictable hours (evenings/weekends) so you don’t miss lectures.
- Batch tasks: buy stock once, deliver twice, post content daily.
- Use pre-orders to avoid tying money down in unsold inventory.
Next Step
When you start earning, build a simple online profile and collect reviews. It makes referrals easier and helps you keep growing after graduation.
