21 Best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024

Choosing the best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024 is a way of providing students with the opportunity to do what they have an interest in while earning extra income.

A side hustle is more than just an additional source of income; it’s a manifestation of one’s skills, passions, and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Because of the situation of Nigeria’s economy, having a side hustle has become a feasible and good avenue for students looking for financial independence and professional growth.

Every Nigerian student must find one or more side hustles for themselves if they want to earn passive income while they study. 

Best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024

Below is the list and explanation of the 21 best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024:

1. E-commerce (selling products online)
2. Graphic design services
3. Social media management
4. Tutoring or coaching
5. Web development
6. Virtual assistance
7. Content creation on platforms like YouTube
8. Online tutoring
9. Affiliate marketing
10. Selling handmade crafts or art
11. Photography services
12. Transcription services
13. E-book writing and publishing
14. Virtual event planning
15. Language translation services
16. Mobile app development
17. Data entry
18. Blogging
19. Podcasting
20. Online surveys and market research
21. Freelance writing

The 21 Best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024

1. E-commerce (Selling Products Online)

E-commerce is a side hustle that involves selling products or services online. This can include physical goods, digital products, or a combination of both.

Start by setting up an online store on platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Amazon. Source or create products, optimize product listings, and use social media and online advertising to market your products.

2. Graphic Design Services

Graphic design services involve creating visual content for various purposes, such as logos, marketing materials, social media posts, and more. 

You can offer your services on platforms like Fiverr, 99designs, or Upwork.

Create a portfolio showcasing your design work. You can also consider advertising locally or using social media to attract clients.

To become successful in this side hustle as a graphic designer, you should make sure you are skilled and be able to produce quality services to your customers. 

3. Social Media Management

Social media management is one of the best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024 that requires overseeing and optimizing social media accounts for businesses or individuals. 

Examples of this include content creation and uploads, increasing engagement through catchy posts, and maintaining good analytics.

You can advertise your services on freelancing platforms. Reach out to local businesses through social networks and develop a strong online presence showcasing your social media expertise.

4. Fitness Coaching or personal training jobs

Fitness coaching or personal training jobs involve providing guidance, workouts, and nutrition advice to individuals aiming to improve their physical fitness.

You can easily start this side hustle if you have a passion for fitness and healthy lifestyles. Create a website or use fitness coaching platforms, but it will be more advantageous to you if you have your website. 

Advertise your services through social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, you can also connect with fitness influencers, and offer personalized training programs.

5. Web Development

Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites. It involves programming, designing, and structuring websites to meet client or business needs.

You can start offering web development services on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer. Create a portfolio displaying your previous projects and skills. 

Always connect with local businesses and individuals who want to start a website to find opportunities for website development projects.

6. Virtual Assistance Job

Virtual assistant jobs are another one of the best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024 that involve providing administrative support to clients or businesses remotely. 

Tasks may include email management, scheduling, data entry, and other administrative responsibilities.

Always make sure to provide high-quality service to your customers as it is a way of showing your skill. 

You can start by creating a profile on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Virtual Assistant Job sites, including your portfolio and communication skills.

You can also search for virtual assistant positions or offer your services to entrepreneurs and businesses.

7. Content Creation on Platforms like YouTube

Start content creation on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Tik-Tok.

This involves producing videos on a specific niche or topic which can include vlogs, tutorials, reviews, and more.

For example, you can start a YouTube channel on a subject you’re passionate about such as food niche, job niche, entertainment niche, etc. 

Consistently upload high-quality content. Monetize through the YouTube Partner Program, which activates once you meet eligibility requirements based on views and subscribers.

8. Online Tutoring

Online tutoring involves providing educational support and guidance to students or learners over the Internet.

By doing this, you can cover various subjects or skills for your students.

You can start this side hustle by joining online tutoring platforms such as Chegg Tutors, Tutor.com, or VIPKid, then create a profile highlighting your expertise and teaching style.

Engage with students through virtual sessions.

Advertising your job on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn is a great way to sell what you have and attract more clients. 

9.  Affiliate Marketing

Try affiliate marketing programs if you are looking for the best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024. Most affiliate marketers make a huge amount of money. 

It is a performance-based marketing strategy where individuals earn a commission for promoting products or services and generating sales through their unique affiliate links.

Start by joining affiliate programs of companies relevant to your niche.

Share affiliate links through your blog, social media, or other platforms. Earn commissions for each sale made through your referral.

10. Selling Handmade Crafts or Art

Selling handmade crafts or art involves creating unique handmade items or artwork and selling them to customers. This can include jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and more.

You can set up an online store on platforms like Etsy. Showcase your products with high-quality images and detailed descriptions. 

Use social media to promote your crafts and connect with potential buyers. Engage with the crafting community to expand your customers.

11. Photography Services

Photography services involve capturing and delivering high-quality images for various purposes, including events, portraits, product photography, and more.

You can easily start this side hustle if you know how to snap and edit pictures with some of the high-quality apps.

It’s easy to learn if you don’t have the skill. Provide this service to your fellow students and lecturers hosting events like parties and birthday celebrations. 

Also, create a portfolio showcasing your photography skills on freelancing platforms and advertise locally on social media platforms.

Join websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock to sell stock photos. Connect with event planners or businesses for potential customers.

12. Transcription Services

Here is another one of the best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024 that involves converting spoken language into written text.

Transcribers listen to audio or video recordings and accurately transcribe the content.

Register on transcription platforms like Rev or TranscribeMe. Take proficiency tests to qualify. Provide accurate transcriptions within specified deadlines.

Building a positive reputation on these platforms can lead to more opportunities.

13. E-book Writing and Publishing

E-book writing and publishing involve creating written content in electronic book format and making it available for readers to purchase or download.

Make sure you have good writing skills as it will help you to become more successful in what you do. 

Identify a niche or topic you’re knowledgeable about. Write and format your ebook professionally. Publish on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

Promote your ebook through social media, author websites, and relevant forums.

14. Event Planning

Virtual event planning is a side hustle that involves organizing and coordinating events that take place online and offline.

This can include webinars, conferences, school parties, wedding parties, and birthday parties. 

Develop organizational and communication skills. Create a website showcasing both your offline and virtual event planning services. Always provide the best quality service to gain more clients. 

Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others to advertise your services and connect with potential customers. You can establish partnerships with virtual event platforms.

15. Bookkeeping Services 

Here is another great option to choose if you are looking for the best side hustles for students in Nigeria, bookkeeping services are here for you. 

You can start a bookkeeping service either online or virtual.

This involves providing bookkeeping and accounting services to businesses remotely, handling financial records, and ensuring compliance.

Start by developing bookkeeping skills. Create a profile on freelancing platforms or specialized websites offering virtual bookkeeping services.

Connect with small businesses and entrepreneurs to find clients.

16. Mobile App Development

Mobile app development involves creating software applications for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This process includes designing, coding, testing, and launching applications.

Start by learning mobile app development skills. Create a portfolio displaying your apps. Render your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Indeed, and Freelancer.

If possible, create and sell your apps through app stores.

You can also advertise your skill through social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Tik-Tok, and Instagram, this will help showcase your skill to potential clients or customers.

17. Data Entry

Data entry involves inputting, updating, or verifying data in databases, spreadsheets, or other systems. It requires accuracy and attention to detail.

Register on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Highlight your typing skills and accuracy—complete tasks within deadlines to build a positive reputation and attract more opportunities.

Advertise your skill on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok to gain more clients.

You can even use ads on each of these platforms to boost your online presence. 

18. Blogging

Blogging could be helpful if you are looking for the best side hustles for students in Nigeria.

Blogging involves regularly writing and publishing content on an online platform such as Blogger, WordPress, WIX, etc. 

Bloggers often share their expertise, experiences, or opinions on specific topics.

To start a blog on WordPress you will need to pay for a domain name and web hosting, then set it up. 

Choose a niche you are passionate about and always update it with content. Monetize through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.

Promote your blog through social media to increase traffic.

19. Podcastin

Podcasting involves creating and distributing audio content on specific topics. Podcasters produce episodes that listeners can stream or download. 

Start a podcast on platforms like Anchor, Libsyn, or Podbean. Develop a content schedule and consistently release episodes.

Monetize through sponsorships, ads, or listener support on platforms like Patreon.

20. Online Surveys and Market Research

Online surveys and market research involve participating in surveys or studies to provide feedback on products, services, or consumer trends.

Sign up on survey websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or participate in paid market research studies. Complete surveys consistently to earn rewards or cash.

21. Freelance Writing

You can become a freelance writer if you are looking for a side hustle. Freelance writing is also one of the best side hustles for students in Nigeria which involves providing written content for businesses and individuals like bloggers, journalists, etc. 

Freelance writers can work on various projects, including articles, blog posts, copywriting, and more.

Join freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to get registered and get connected with clients. 

Then, create a profile highlighting your writing skills, expertise, and samples of your work. Focus on relevant projects that will help you to get more jobs.

Conclusion

As Nigerian students embark on these best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024, they have the chance to redefine success on their path.

It may not be easy, but consistency and hard work is the key to success. 

Students should be wise when choosing a side hustle, they should at least choose the high-paying ones.

Also, they should endeavor to choose a side hustle that will not distract their academic programs. 

Most of these best side hustles for students in Nigeria in 2024 are online, so it is very important to have a good, feast, and trusted way of receiving payment in order not to have any pending payments.