12 Unique Business Ideas For Students in Nigeria (At Any Level)
Starting a business while in university can be an excellent way for students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and make some extra cash.
In Nigeria, where youth unemployment is at an alarming rate of 33.3%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, it’s more important than ever for students to start thinking outside the box as regards their career prospects.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 12 unique business ideas specifically tailored for students in Nigerian universities. So whether you’re looking to start a side hustle or launch a full-scale business, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to discover some exciting opportunities that could change your life.
12 Unique Business Ideas For Students in Nigeria
Of course, there are tons of business ideas for students in Nigeria, especially if you’re just like many youngsters looking for legit ways to make money online in Nigeria as a student. But below are the 12 unique business ideas for students in Nigeria, explained in an easy-to-understand manner:
1. Tailoring
As a student at a university in Nigeria looking for some unique business ideas, you may want to consider starting a tailoring business. Why? The answer is simple: “It’s lucrative.”
It allows you to turn your passion for fashion into a lucrative venture with your creativity and hard work. From designing custom clothing to alterations and repairs, there’s a high demand for skilled tailors in Nigeria.
Best of all, tailoring is flexible and can fit around your academic schedule without affecting your academic goals. With determination in this business, you can build a financial system that supports you throughout your university years and beyond.
2. Earrings, necklace, and brackets business
Also, starting a jewelry business may be just what you need as a student looking for an exciting and creative way to earn extra cash at a Nigerian university.
With a small investment in materials and tools, you can create beautiful pieces that appeal to your target market. And then, you can use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your designs and reach potential customers.
What’s more? You can work on your jewelry-making during your free time and around your study schedule. As soon, you can turn your hobby into a successful business venture, with passion and dedication.
3. Artwork
Starting an artwork business could be the best fit for you if you’re a creative student looking for a unique business opportunity at a Nigerian university.
With endless possibilities of mediums, such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, you can turn your passion for art into a lucrative venture.
So you can start by creating pieces in your free time and sell them online through social media or art marketplaces. Not only that, but you can also take commissions from clients looking for custom-made artwork.
That way, you can establish a loyal customer base and earn extra cash while studying. Especially if you have the right marketing and promotion.
4. Retailing Hair Products
With the increasing demand for hair extensions, wigs, and other hair products, there’s huge potential to make money in this market. So as a student at a Nigerian university with a passion for beauty and hair care, you may want to consider starting a hair product retail business.
But you would need to start by researching popular hair products and finding a unique selling point for your business. Once that is done, you can harness social media as a great tool to promote your products and reach potential customers.
5. Footwear Retailing
Do you have a passion for fashion and style as a student at a Nigerian university? If yes, starting a footwear retail business might be the perfect business idea for you.
With a diverse range of options, from sneakers to sandals and boots, you can tap into your creativity and customize your offerings. But start by identifying the latest trends in footwear and select styles that appeal to your target market.
While you can promote your products to your fellow students physically, social media platforms are a great way to do that. Even as they allow you to reach your potential customers organically or through paid adverts.
6. Network Marketing
Also, one of the 12 unique business ideas for students in Nigeria is network marketing.
With network marketing, you can earn commissions by promoting and selling products to people you know. So if you’re a student in a Nigerian university looking for a great way to make some extra money, consider this business idea.
But you have to ensure you choose a reputable company that sells high-quality products. So you must do your research. Only then can find a company that aligns with your values and interests, and with which you can start building your network.
Eventually, with persistence and hard work, you can create a successful network marketing business that helps you achieve your financial goals while studying.
7. Photography
Starting a photography business could be the perfect way to earn some extra cash while doing what you love. Particularly if you’re a student with a passion for photography, looking for legit ways to make money while studying at the university.
You can showcase your talent and creativity by offering a range of services, from portraits to event photography. But building a portfolio and using social media to promote your services can help attract potential clients.
With that said, you can turn your passion for photography into a successful business venture that supports you through your studies and beyond.
8. Hairstyling
For students in Nigerian universities who love hair and beauty, hairstyling can be an excellent business idea. As a hairstylist, you can provide services like braiding, weaving, and coloring. Start by practicing with friends and family and building your portfolio. Social media is an excellent tool to showcase your skills and attract clients. With dedication and hard work, you can turn your passion for hairstyling into a thriving business venture that supports you through your studies and beyond.
9. Graphics Design
Are you a creative student in a Nigerian university looking to make some extra cash? Then graphic design might just be the perfect business idea for you! As a graphic designer, you can offer a range of services, from designing logos and flyers to creating websites and social media graphics.
Start by building a portfolio of your work and promoting your services on social media platforms. You can also network with local businesses and organizations to attract clients. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for design into a successful business that supports you through your studies and beyond.
10. Becoming a Tutor
Are you a student at a Nigerian university and have a knack for teaching? If yes, tutoring can be an excellent business idea for you. As a tutor, you can offer personalized lessons and help students improve their grades in a particular subject.
Begin by promoting your services on social media platforms or by word-of-mouth, and partnering with schools or organizations can help expand your reach. With passion and hard work, you can build a successful tutoring business that supports you through your studies and beyond.
11. Content Writing
Starting a content writing business may be a perfect choice for you if you’re a student in Nigeria with a passion for writing. As a content writer, you can offer your writing services to businesses and individuals who need blog posts, website copy, social media posts, and more.
But you need to build a portfolio of your work and promote your services on social media platforms or freelance marketplaces to help you attract clients. Meanwhile, you can also network with local businesses and organizations to find clients.
Sooner, you’ll be turning your passion for writing into a successful business that supports you through your studies and beyond through dedication and hard work.
12. Become a Publisher on Amazon
Aside from becoming a content writer as a student at a Nigerian university with a passion for writing, you become a publisher on Amazon. You can do that for FREE once you have the know-how to do that.
Thus, becoming a self-published author on Amazon is one of the 12 unique business ideas for students in Nigeria.
With Kindle Direct Publishing, you can publish your book and reach a global audience. So, you can start by writing and formatting your manuscript, creating a cover design, and setting your price.
No doubt, learning to do all that by yourself can be overwhelming. That’s why you need some high-powered courses to guide you step-by-step to becoming a successful publisher. An example of such courses in Nigeria is Amazon KDP for SmartPhone.
Other Business Ideas for Students in Nigeria
Clothing business
As a fashion-savvy student in a Nigerian university looking for a business idea, starting a clothing business could be perfect for you.
But you should start by researching popular trends and finding your niche. And then, can you design your clothing or source from wholesalers that serve the needs of your customers while you create your brand?
Meanwhile, social media and e-commerce platforms are essential for marketing and selling your products. With this unique business idea for students in Nigeria, you can make money and pursue your passion for fashion!
Barbing
Do you have a passion for hair styling and grooming? Barbing could be the perfect business idea for you as a student at a Nigerian university!
First, get trained and certified. Then, set up a barbing salon or offer mobile services to your fellow students. Meanwhile, advertising on social media platforms is key.
Thus with this unique business idea for students in Nigeria, you can make money while doing something you love as a student.
Bead Making
If you have a creative flair and a love for making jewelry as a student at a Nigerian university, bead-making is a unique business idea for you! But start by learning the techniques and skills required, then create your designs or take customized orders.
But, you cannot underestimate the use of social media platforms and online marketplaces to advertise and sell your products. In other words, with this unique business idea for students in Nigeria, you can make money doing something you love!
House Painting
House painting could be a unique business idea for you if you are a skilled painter and a student at a Nigerian university. You can start by offering your services to friends, family, and neighbors and gradually expand through word-of-mouth referrals.
As you gain more experience, invest in better tools and equipment. Also, social media platforms can help you reach a wider audience. And undoubtedly, this is a lucrative business idea for students in Nigeria, allowing you to make money while balancing your studies.
Perfume Oil business
The perfume oil business could be a unique and profitable business idea for you! Particularly, if you’re a student at a Nigerian university with a passion for fragrances and scents
You can start by sourcing high-quality perfume oils and creating your unique blends. And then market your products through social media, pop-up shops, and referrals.
As you gain more customers, you can expand your product line and invest in better packaging and branding.
So, the perfume oil business can be a lucrative business that can allow you to make cool money while studying. But you must be ready to pour in your creativity, the necessary work, time, and resources needed.
Final Thoughts
The 12 unique business ideas for students in Nigeria highlighted in this post are just a few of the many possibilities available to you. But with determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, you can turn your business idea into a reality.
That’s to tell you that Nigeria is filled with a plethora of opportunities you can tap from. And as a student, you can take advantage of these opportunities to build a successful business.
But don’t forget that the journey of entrepreneurship is not an easy one, but the rewards are worth it. So, go out there and start your business today, and let your passion drive you to success.
FAQ
What are the benefits of starting a business as a college student?
The benefits are so great. First, it helps you stay away from being broke while you learn entrepreneurship in real life, beyond the theories you’ve read in textbooks. On top of that, starting a business as a college student helps you develop some leadership and core business skills like selling.
How do I start a business as a college student?
Starting a business can be cumbersome, especially when one doesn’t have a clear road map–that’s a plan. So to start a business as a college or university student, you must know the type of business you want to set up and the resources you need.
What is the best business idea for college students?
While many businesses could be tagged as best in one niche, you’re the one that will choose the business best for you. And that will depend on your passion and what you are ready to commit yourself to, coupled with its profitability.
What are low-cost college business ideas?
No doubt, one of the ways to make money online in Nigeria as a student is to sell stuff. And the low-cost businesses you can start include selling other people’s products through affiliate programs or drop shipping. Or better still, sell your skills like content writing, virtual assistance, etc.
