By Calista Oyeoba / Posted December 2, 2024
As a student in Nigeria, managing finances, most of the time, can be a Mount Kilimanjaro challenge. No question about that. Many students will find a resonance here. With the rising cost of living and tuition fees, many students struggle to make ends meet.
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Notwithstanding the above unavailing scenario, many students are meeting the challenge in their own little ways. With a basic android phone or hand-held communication device and Impelled with the right mindset, in-born talents and skills, students are now exploring various side hustles to earn extra income, gain experience, and build their professional network.
One of the most popular in higher institutions in Nigeria, as at today, is academic tutoring. It’s a simple arrangement whereby if a student is highly proficient in a particular subject, he/she offers tutorials online for new students or older students with deficiency in such subjects. The pay varies depending on the extent of work.
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Another popular side hustle is freelance writing of contributing content to blogs and comedy platforms. Many students have found out they possess writing skills and witty disposition and are taking advantage by writing articles, scripts and video-tracking for blogposts and websites, thereby earning modest incomes. Online surveys are increasingly becoming popular.
Students with design skills are in high demand as their services are constantly in demand in diverse ways for information dissemination. Because graphic design services such as creating logos, brochures, social media graphics and other creatives provide a steady income stream.
Photography services is also a veritable income avenue. If you have a good camera and an eye for photography, opportunities abound to offer your services during events such as birthdays, parties, tours, special events and modelling. Even social and wildlife photography have relevance as fleeting moments can be captured in portrait and landscape formatting.
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Corporate network marketing and promotion of products or services on behalf of companies is another way for students to earn a commission earnings. This is possible either through multi-level marketing or direct referrals that garnered active purchase or sign-on.
e-Commerce and merchandising are now popular avenues for students to engage in online trading. On behalf of friends or customers, they pre-order products ranging from gift items, casual clothing, perfume, accessories and many more, which they have profiled and advertised in their social media handles like facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram. Most of this trading is carried out directly with the manufacturers or through popular e-commerce platforms like Jumia, Konga, Etsy, eBay and Amazon, etc.
For benefits using the local e-commerce companies, it may be necessary to Sign up with them to access other connected services like delivery and bonus points, which can be used later in affiliated services like airlines, hotels, Uber, Bolt, Glovo foods, etc.
Students are now expanding the network of side hustles by engaging house sitting and pet handling services for homeowners who need someone to watch their property while they are away. In fact, some even do guard services when they have the time based on understanding with the hirer.
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However, it is pertinent to note that while side hustle has not improved finances for students greatly, it has helped them to horn their marketing skills which is a precursor to post-school life job opportunities. Side hustles can be a great way for students in Nigeria to earn extra income, gain experience, and build their professional network.
With the right mindset and skills, students can explore various opportunities and achieve financial stability. No matter, the objective is to always prioritize studies and ensure that the side hustle does not interfere with your academic responsibilities.
The marketing wisdom is to start small and scale up your side hustle as you gain more experience and confidence. Set clear goals to ensure there’s a balance that aligns with both academic and personal goals.
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NOTE: This story was researched and written by Calista Oyeoba.
Calista is on internship at DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communication, Ekocity Polytechnic, Lagos.