Gone are the days when the average Nigerian student was known for one thing — academics. Then, campus life strictly revolved around attending lectures, spending hours in the library, researching, and studying for good grades. Anything non-academic was seen as a distraction. But today, the narrative is changing. Students are now boldly stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, running both small and large-scale businesses, yet still pursuing their degrees. Classes are attended to during the day while customers, orders, and other business runs are tended to after.
However, this shift is not entirely by choice. The current economic realities of the country have pushed many young people into finding alternative sources of income. Here are five businesses students can engage in to make cool cash for themselves:
1. Tutoring Services
This is a business brilliant and committed students can engage in. Confused students roam about campus looking for academic help and would not mind paying someone to clarify certain courses for them. This academic support service can be in the form of: offering tutorials, proofreading, helping with assignments, etc. All one needs to start this business is sound knowledge of the course, good communication skills and consistency.
2. Beauty Essentials
Campus is one place where everybody strives to look good. Most students are conscious of how they show up for classes and other social events. Hence, venturing into the beauty products business as a student will definitely be lucrative. Items like perfumes, lip glosses, hair accessories, nails, clothes accessories, etc. will sell out in no time. With as little as ten thousand naira, one can start this business.
3. Snacks and Confectionery
One of the biggest problems on campus is hunger, and one can leverage this to start a snack business. Students will buy anything quick and tasty. On a small scale, one can sell snacks like chin-chin, groundnut, plantain chips, potato chips, sweets, biscuits, etc., while on a large scale, one can venture into full-time catering.
4. Graphic Design
In our digital world, brands are constantly looking for graphic designers who can help create excellent designs to market themselves. This is a highly flexible and high-paying job. A laptop or smartphone, a data connection and knowledge of the concept are all one needs to start this business.
5. Social Media Management and Content Creation
The rise of TikTok, Instagram reels, and YouTube Shorts has made content creation a rewarding business for students. Whether it’s lifestyle, beauty, comedy, fashion, or educational content, students can turn their creativity into cash. Also, many small businesses need help managing their social media pages. A student who understands content strategy, editing, and trends can earn good money managing accounts.
At the end of the day, studentpreneurship is a win-win as students gain practical experience, earn income, and graduate from school with something tangible in hand, instead of waiting endlessly and lazily for employment opportunities.