Quick Overview
Starting a small business as a student in Nigeria is not only possible, it’s one of the smartest ways to take charge of your future. You don’t need millions or years of experience.
You just need the right idea, a bit of consistency, and the drive to take action.
Whether you’re in university, polytechnic, or any tertiary institution, there’s something on this list you can start even with your current resources.
This article walks you through ten of the most practical, low-capital business ideas tailored for students living and schooling in Nigeria.
Some can be run online, others offline—but all can be started part-time and grown while still pursuing your studies.
- 1. POS Business (Mobile Money Agent)
- 2. Freelance Services (Writing, Design, Coding, Video Editing)
- 3. Phone and Laptop Repairs
- 4. Tutoring and Exam Prep Services
- 5. Selling Fashion Items (Clothes, Shoes, Bags)
- 6. Hair and Beauty Services
- 7. Selling Food and Snacks
- 8. Data and Airtime Reselling
- 9. Mini Importation
- 10. Content Creation and Monetization
- Bonus Tip: Use Your Campus Environment
- Final Thoughts
1. POS Business (Mobile Money Agent)
You see them every day—those small kiosks or tables with POS machines where people withdraw or transfer money.
As a student, you can run a POS business right from your hostel or a busy junction near campus.
This service is always in demand, especially in areas where banks are far or ATMs are often empty.
What you need:
A POS machine (some banks like Access Bank, Opay, or Moniepoint offer them)
Initial capital (₦20,000 to ₦50,000 for transactions)
Location with foot traffic
Approach your campus market or nearby neighborhoods where students and staff live.
You earn commissions on every transaction, and the business scales well with more customers.
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2. Freelance Services (Writing, Design, Coding, Video Editing)
If you’re skilled in graphic design, article writing, coding, copywriting, or video editing, you can work remotely for clients across Nigeria or abroad.
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Toptal connect freelancers to clients looking for specific digital services.
Start by:
Building a portfolio (use free tools like Canva or GitHub to showcase your work)
Creating an account on freelance websites
Offering discounted services to classmates to build trust and reviews
This is ideal if you’re tech-savvy and want a flexible job that fits around lectures and exams.
3. Phone and Laptop Repairs
Gadgets break—and when they do, students don’t always want to wait days for help from a service center. Learning how to fix common issues like charging ports, cracked screens, software errors, or battery replacements can turn you into the go-to technician in your school.
Steps to start:
Take online tutorials (YouTube, Udemy)
Get a simple toolset (₦10,000–₦20,000)
Offer free diagnosis to build trust
Start with your hostel mates. From there, referrals can bring in more customers.
You can also upsell accessories like screen protectors and phone cases.
4. Tutoring and Exam Prep Services
If you’re doing well in certain subjects—especially core ones like mathematics, accounting, biology, or economics—you can start tutoring fellow students or even secondary school students in the area. WAEC, NECO, JAMB, and post-UTME tutoring is always in demand.
How to begin:
Choose your best subject(s)
Design flyers or post on social media
Use Zoom or Google Meet for virtual sessions
Charge per hour or per session. You can even group students and earn more while teaching them together.
5. Selling Fashion Items (Clothes, Shoes, Bags)
The fashion business is booming on Nigerian campuses.
Students love to look good, especially when trending items are affordable and accessible.
Whether it’s thrifted wears (okrika), sneakers, Ankara bags, or branded T-shirts, you can buy low and sell high.
Where to source items:
Lagos markets like Yaba, Balogun, or Katangua for thrift clothes
Market your products on WhatsApp status, Instagram, or Facebook Marketplace.
Use flash sales, giveaways, and peer influencers to attract more customers.
6. Hair and Beauty Services
If you’re good at making hair, fixing nails, doing makeup, or grooming beards, there’s a business in your hands already. These are services that students need regularly, especially during events, parties, or special outings.
What to offer:
Braids, weaves, wig revamping
Pedicure/manicure
Simple makeovers for birthdays and photoshoots
Start with affordable pricing and do outstanding work to trigger word-of-mouth marketing. Post transformation photos (with permission) to grow your brand on social media.
7. Selling Food and Snacks
Not every student has time to cook, and cafeterias can get expensive. If you can cook or bake, you can sell food or snacks directly from your room, hostel kitchen, or a small stall near class areas.
Popular ideas:
Small chops (puff-puff, buns, samosa)
Jollof rice or fried rice in takeaway packs
Zobo, tiger nut drink, or smoothies
Start small with your coursemates, then expand. Ensure hygiene and great taste to build loyalty. You can even partner with dispatch riders or use Glovo or Bolt Food for local delivery.
8. Data and Airtime Reselling
Students need data to stream, read, and submit assignments. You can buy data or airtime in bulk and resell to others on campus with a small markup. This can be managed entirely from your phone using apps like VTU.ng, Aimtoget, or Recharge2Cash.
How to begin:
Register on a trusted VTU platform
Fund your wallet (₦1,000–₦5,000 to start)
Share your services via WhatsApp groups
No rent or inventory required—just a smartphone and a small network of customers.
9. Mini Importation
If you’re comfortable with online shopping, mini importation allows you to buy small items like watches, bags, or accessories from platforms like 1688.com or Alibaba and resell them at a profit in Nigeria.
Start by:
Learning from YouTube or paid courses
Choosing lightweight products to reduce shipping cost
Creating a simple online catalogue using WhatsApp or Instagram
Popular student items include smartwatches, sunglasses, phone accessories, and skincare tools. With as little as ₦20,000, you can start testing the waters.
10. Content Creation and Monetization
Content is king, and students who love to entertain, educate, or inform can start creating videos or posts for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. Once your content gains traction, you can earn from brand deals, ads, affiliate links, or sponsored content.
How to succeed:
Pick a niche (fashion, campus lifestyle, comedy, tutorials)
Be consistent
Engage your audience
Even a smartphone with decent camera quality is enough to start. Editing apps like CapCut and InShot can polish your work. Monetization can follow once you hit growth milestones like 1,000 subscribers or 10,000 views.
What to Keep in Mind Before Starting Any Business as a Student
Time Management: Your studies come first. Choose a business that fits into your academic schedule, not one that competes with it.
Capital: Start small. Most ideas on this list need ₦5,000–₦50,000 to kick off.
Marketing: Use social media, especially WhatsApp and Instagram. Word-of-mouth on campus can also go a long way.
Consistency: Don’t expect overnight success. Serve a few customers well and watch it grow.
Legality and School Rules: Avoid businesses that go against your school’s code of conduct or attract unnecessary scrutiny.
Bonus Tip: Use Your Campus Environment
There’s a reason student businesses thrive on campus. You’re in a community with thousands of potential customers who:
Share similar needs
Trust their fellow students
Prefer convenience and affordability
Instead of waiting to graduate, use your school years as a launchpad.
By the time you’re done with your degree, you can have a business that’s already earning and growing.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to wait until NYSC or your first job interview to start earning. These ten business ideas give you a head start, even on a limited budget.
The skills, experience, and income you gain now will open more doors than any certificate alone. Choose one idea that fits your strengths, start small, and grow with consistency.
Nigeria’s economy is tough, but student entrepreneurs are proving every day that hustle, creativity, and smart decisions can make all the difference.
