10 Best Online Business For Students In Nigeria (2024)

Last updated on November 27th, 2023 at 12:00 pm

Are you a student in Nigeria and want to start your own online business but don’t know where to begin?

Well, you’re in luck because we have put together a list of the 11 best online businesses for students in Nigeria!

Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash or start a thriving business, these opportunities can help you achieve your goals.

So, get ready to dive into the world of entrepreneurship and start turning your skills and passions into a profitable online business.

That said, let’s explore types of online business for students in Nigeria.

Page Contents

Online business for students 1: E-commerce businesses

E-commerce businesses have been on the rise in Nigeria and around the world. With the increase in internet penetration, more people are turning to online shopping for convenience and accessibility.

As a student looking to start an online business, e-commerce is a great option because it requires minimal investment and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection.

To start an e-commerce business, you need to choose what products or services you want to sell.

You can either create your own products or source them from suppliers.

Once you have your product ready, you need to set up an online store and optimize it for search engines so that customers can find your website easily.

Social media marketing is also important for gaining visibility and driving traffic to your site.

As with any business, success in e-commerce requires hard work and dedication.

However, as a student entrepreneur, e-commerce offers flexibility that allows you to balance schoolwork while still earning income on the side.

Examples of successful e-commerce businesses in Nigeria

One of the most successful e-commerce businesses in Nigeria is Jumia. Founded in 2012, Jumia has grown to become a household name in Nigeria’s online retail space.

The company boasts of over 50 million monthly visits to its website and a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion items, beauty products, and groceries.

Another successful e-commerce business in Nigeria is Konga.

Launched in 2012 as an online retailer selling books and media, Konga has since expanded into other product categories such as electronics, fashion items, and home appliances.

The company also offers services like KongaPay (a payment solution), Kxpress (logistics services), and Konga Travel.

Kara.com.ng is another example of a successful e-commerce business in Nigeria that specializes in electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, and home appliances.

The company stands out for its competitive pricing strategy that targets budget-conscious customers while ensuring quality products are delivered promptly with excellent customer service.

Online business for students 2: Freelancing

Freelancing is a term used to describe self-employment, where individuals offer services to clients without being bound by long-term contracts or agreements.

Freelancers work on a project-to-project basis and have the freedom to choose their clients and projects.

They can work from anywhere as long as they have access to the internet.

Freelancing is becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria, especially among students who are looking for ways to earn extra income while studying.

The flexibility of freelancing allows students to balance their academic commitments with work.

Popular freelance jobs for students in Nigeria include content writing, graphic design, social media management, web development, and data entry.

Advantages of freelancing for students in Nigeria

Freelancing is a great option for students in Nigeria who are looking to earn some extra money while still studying.

One of the biggest advantages of freelancing is the flexibility it offers.

Students can choose to work whenever they want, depending on their schedules and availability. This allows them to balance their studies with work and not compromise either.

Another advantage of freelancing is that it allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study.

By working on various projects, they can hone their skills and develop a portfolio that will come in handy when applying for jobs after graduation.

Moreover, freelancing exposes students to different industries, clients and businesses which gives them an idea about the market demand for certain skills.

Lastly, freelancing can be a great way for students to network with professionals in their field.

Often times, clients may have connections or referrals that they can pass on which could lead to more work opportunities down the line.

Additionally, working with different people helps build interpersonal skills that are important professionally and personally.

Popular freelancing platforms in Nigeria

One of the most popular freelancing platforms in Nigeria is Upwork.

This platform connects businesses with skilled professionals who can help them complete various tasks and projects.

To get started on Upwork as a freelancer, you will need to create a profile highlighting your skills and experience.

Once you have done this, you can start bidding on available jobs that match your expertise.

Another great freelancing platform for Nigerian students is Fiverr.

This website allows freelancers to offer their services starting from $5 (hence the name).

Freelancers can provide services such as writing, graphic design, video editing, social media management, and many more.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are keen on building long-term relationships with clients, Fiverr may be an excellent platform for you to grow your career as a freelancer.

Online business for students 3: Blogging

Blogging is the act of writing and sharing informative or entertaining content on a website, commonly known as a blog.

It involves creating written material that appeals to your readers’ interests, educates them, and inspires them to keep coming back for more.

Blogging has become an exciting hobby and lucrative business for many individuals worldwide.

Blogs can cover any topic imaginable, ranging from personal diaries to professional advice columns.

They are an excellent platform for expressing opinions and ideas while also building a community around your niche or area of expertise.

Successful bloggers in Nigeria often share their experiences, insights, and perspectives with others in the hopes of inspiring change or providing valuable information.

Why blogging is a great online business for students in Nigeria

Blogging is one of the best online businesses for students in Nigeria because it requires minimal investment and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection.

A student needs a laptop or smartphone, basic writing skills, and knowledge of a particular topic they want to blog about.

Blogging allows students to express their creativity, share their opinions, and build an audience.

In addition to being a creative outlet, blogging can generate student income through advertising revenue, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and selling digital products such as e-books or courses.

As long as students produce valuable content that resonates with their audience, there are no limits to how much they can earn.

Moreover, blogging offers flexibility as students can work on their blogs at any time and fit it around their studies or other commitments.

Tips for Starting a successful blog in Nigeria

If you want to make money blogging in Nigeria as a student, follow these tips.

Identify Your Niche: Before starting a blog, it is crucial to identify your niche. This will help you define your target audience and the type of content you should create. Choose something you are passionate about and have expertise in to provide value to your readers.
Create Quality Content: The quality of your content is one of the most important factors for the success of a blog. Make sure that your posts are well-researched, engaging, and informative. Use relevant keywords in your articles for better search engine optimization (SEO).
Promote Your Blog: To attract readers to your blog, it’s essential to promote it through various channels such as social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram as well as online communities where people who share similar interests gather.
Be Consistent: Regularly posting fresh content on your blog is key to keeping readers engaged and returning visitors while also improving SEO rankings over time.
Engage with Readers: Encourage reader comments by responding promptly and thoughtfully to their feedback/questions/comments which can lead them back into becoming loyal followers
Analyze Traffic Data: It is important to analyze traffic data regularly using tools such as Google Analytics so that you can identify areas where improvements can be made and develop an effective content marketing strategy.

Online business for students 4: Social media management

Another one of the best online businesses for students in Nigeria is managing social accounts.

Social media management is the process of handling all aspects of a company or individual’s social media presence.

This encompasses a range of activities, including creating and publishing content, engaging with followers and fans, monitoring feedback and managing online communities.

It involves developing a strategy for promoting the brand or individual across various social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The importance of effective social media management cannot be overstated in today’s digital age.

A strong social media presence can help businesses to improve their brand awareness, increase their customer base and ultimately boost sales.

For students in Nigeria looking to start an online business, having a well-managed social media presence can make all the difference in establishing themselves as credible entrepreneurs.

To succeed in this field requires staying up-to-date with current trends on different platforms and understanding how to engage with audiences through various forms of content such as text posts, images or videos.

Social media managers must also have excellent communication skills that allow them to convey information clearly while maintaining an authentic voice that resonates with their target audience.

How to start a social media management business as a student

Starting a social media management business as a student is an excellent way to make money while creating flexible working hours.

The first step towards building this business is by learning the ropes of social media marketing.

Students can take online courses, read books and blogs on the topic, or even work with established social media managers to understand how the industry works.

After acquiring the necessary skills, students can start building their portfolio by offering free services to family and friends or volunteering for non-profit organizations.

This will help them build credibility and gain experience in managing social media accounts.

As they grow their portfolio, they can reach out to small businesses that need assistance managing their social media accounts.

To set up a successful social media management business as a student, creating a professional brand image is essential.

This involves developing a website and creating profiles on various social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etcetera.

By establishing an online presence and actively engaging with potential clients via these platforms, students can increase their chances of getting hired for Social Media Management Jobs in Nigeria.

Online business for students 5: Online tutoring

Online tutoring is a new trend in education that has been gaining popularity among students around the world.

This is a virtual classroom where teachers and students can interact in real-time using video conferencing tools.

This type of classroom allows for more flexible scheduling and personalized attention to each student’s needs.

Online tutoring has many advantages over traditional classroom learning.

First, it provides students with access to a wider range of teachers who specialize in different subjects and have different teaching styles.

Second, online tutoring offers an individualized learning experience where students can work at their own pace and receive immediate feedback on their progress.

Thirdly, online tutoring is more affordable than traditional classroom learning because there are no additional costs associated with room rental or equipment maintenance.

Lastly, online tutoring promotes technological literacy among students by allowing them to participate in virtual classrooms, which are becoming increasingly popular as technology continues to advance.

Online business for students 6: Affiliate marketing

Another one of the coolest online business for students in Nigeria affiliate marketing.

This is a type of online marketing where an affiliate earns commission by promoting another company’s products or services.

The affiliate promotes the product through various channels, such as social media, email marketing, or advertising.

When someone purchases the product through the affiliate link, the affiliate receives a commission.

How to start an affiliate marketing business in Nigeria

To start an affiliate marketing business in Nigeria, you first need to select a niche that aligns with your interests and passions. This will make it easier for you to create content around the products or services you’re promoting.

Next, you need to find reputable affiliate networks such as Jumia Affiliate Program, Konga Affiliate Program, Amazon Associates Program, etc., that offer products or services within your chosen niche.

You can then sign up as an affiliate marketer and start promoting these products using various channels such as social media platforms, blogs, YouTube videos, email lists, etc.

To succeed in affiliate marketing in Nigeria, it’s important to focus on building trust with your audience by providing valuable content and being transparent about the products or services you’re promoting.

Additionally, keep track of your performance metrics such as click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates (CR), and earnings per click (EPC) so that you can optimize your strategies accordingly.

Examples of successful affiliate marketing programs in Nigeria

One of the most popular online businesses in Nigeria is affiliate marketing.

It involves promoting other people’s products and earning a commission for each sale made through your unique referral link.

Some successful affiliate marketing businesses in Nigeria include Jumia Affiliate Program, Konga Affiliate Program, and PayPorte Affiliate Program.

Jumia Affiliate Program is one of the most reputable affiliate programs in Nigeria with a commission rate of up to 11%.

With over 100,000 products available on their website, affiliates have access to a wide range of products to promote across different categories such as electronics, fashion, and home appliances.

Konga Affiliate Program also offers an impressive commission rate of up to 9% for every sale made through your referral link.

Affiliates can promote various products including books, electronics, fashion items among others.

PayPorte Affiliate Program is another successful affiliate program that offers affiliates up to 15% commission on every sale made through their unique referral link.

The platform has a wide range of fashion items and accessories available for promotion by affiliates.

Online business for students 7: Web design and development

Web design and development is a highly profitable online business in Nigeria, owing to the increasing use of technology and the internet.

It involves creating and managing websites, web applications, software and other related services.

To start a web design and development business in Nigeria, you need to have knowledge of programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as well as WordPress or other CMS platforms.

The demand for web design and development services is high in Nigeria because businesses require an online presence to reach out to potential customers.

This has made it easier for individuals with web design and development skills to set up their own business without needing a physical location.

With the right skills, creativity and marketing strategies, starting a successful web design and development business can be very lucrative.

Idea 8: Digital marketing

Digital marketing is a form of marketing that involves the use of digital technologies such as the internet, social media platforms, search engines, and mobile devices to promote products or services.

And it has become increasingly important in recent years due to the rise of online shopping and the growing number of people using digital devices.

If you are interested in starting your own digital marketing agency in Nigeria, there are several things you should consider.

First, have a clear understanding of what digital marketing entails and how it can be used to help businesses succeed.

This may require taking courses or attending workshops on topics such as SEO (search engine optimization), social media advertising, email marketing, and content creation.

Once you have a solid foundation in digital marketing principles and techniques, you can begin building your business by developing a website and promoting your services through social media channels like LinkedIn or Facebook groups.

You may also want to consider partnering with other businesses or freelancers who offer complementary services such as web design or copywriting.

With dedication and hard work, building a successful digital marketing agency can be both rewarding and profitable.

Online business for students 9: Virtual assistant

As a virtual assistant, you can work remotely from anywhere with an internet connection.

This allows you to have flexibility in your schedule and the ability to work with clients worldwide.

Some of the most popular virtual assistant platforms in Nigeria include Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

The services that a virtual assistant can offer are vast and varied.

They can include tasks such as email management, social media management, data entry, research, scheduling appointments, customer service support and many more.

By being a virtual assistant in Nigeria you stand to gain numerous advantages including;

reduced transportation costs associated with commuting to an office job
flexible working hours which means you get to choose when to work and how long at any given time
increased productivity due to less stress that comes with dealing with traffic congestion.

Online business for students 10: Online writing

This is one of the best online businesses for students in Nigeria.

Online writing is a form of content creation that involves using digital platforms and tools to produce written material.

It covers a wide range of styles, including blog posts, articles, social media updates, product reviews, and more.

The rise of the internet has made online writing a popular career choice for many individuals looking to earn income from home or on the go.

One of the primary advantages of online writing is its accessibility.

With a reliable internet connection and a computer or smartphone, anyone can create and publish content online without needing any formal training or qualifications.

Additionally, the potential audience for online writing is vast – writers can reach people across the globe with their work.

However, online writing presents unique challenges as well.

Writers must be adept at crafting engaging content that stands out in an oversaturated market while also adhering to SEO best practices to ensure their work is discoverable by search engines.

How to start an online writing business in Nigeria

Starting an online writing business can be a lucrative venture for students in Nigeria who have great writing skills.

The first step to starting such a business is to identify your niche and target audience.

Determine what types of writing you are most interested in and what type of clients you want to work with.

This will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts accordingly.

Once you have identified your niche, it’s time to create a portfolio that showcases your writing skills.

You can do this by creating samples of different types of writing, such as blog posts, articles, and social media content.

You may also want to consider offering free or discounted services initially to build up your portfolio.

Finally, market yourself effectively through various channels such as social media platforms, freelance job boards, personal websites, and word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients.

Popular online writing platforms in Nigeria

In Nigeria, there are several online writing platforms available for freelance writers, students or anyone looking to make a living from writing.

One of the most popular platforms is Upwork.

This platform offers a wide range of jobs in various niches such as content writing, copywriting, and technical writing.

It has a global reach and offers competitive rates to its freelancers.

Another popular platform is Freelancer.com which operates worldwide with high traffic from Nigerian writers seeking opportunities.

It has over 25 million users with different job categories in graphics design, programming, and article writing.

In addition to these two big players in the industry are also other platforms like Fiverr which offers small gigs on graphics design, web development or data entry while iWriter Nigeria provides an avenue for professional writers to get paid for their work without any hassle of finding clients directly.

There’s no shortage of online writing platforms in Nigeria that offer great earning opportunities for those who can write well and deliver quality content on time.

Offline business to do as a student in Nigeria

We’ve looked at some of the best online businesses for students in Nigeria to make money.

But it doesn’t stop there.

As a student in Nigeria, there are several offline business ideas you can explore to make money. Some of these business ideas include:

Tailoring business: Start a tailoring business where you sell ready-made clothes or offer tailoring services to customers.
Footwear business: Buy and sell different types of footwear, targeting teenagers and young adults.
Selling of underwear, boxers, and pants: Start a business selling men’s and women’s underwear.
POS business: Offer point of sale (POS) services to businesses, helping them manage their transactions and inventory.
Food business: Start a food business by selling snacks, baked goods, or setting up a restaurant.
Freelancing: Offer your skills and services in areas such as writing, graphic design, web development, or marketing.
Tutoring: Help other students with their studies by offering tutoring services in subjects you are knowledgeable about.
Beauty services: Start a beauty salon or offer beauty services such as hair styling, makeup, and nail painting.
Event planning: Organize events for clients, such as parties, conferences, and workshops.
Photography and videography: Provide photography and videography services for events, portraits, and promotional materials.
Cleaning services: Offer cleaning services to businesses and individuals, helping them maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
Fruit, food, and foodstuff business: Sell fruits, food items, and other essential products that students frequently need.
Mobile phone accessories: Start a business selling phone accessories such as cases, screen protectors, chargers, and headphones.
Affiliate marketing: Promote products or services on behalf of other businesses and earn commissions for each successful referral or sale.
Dropshipping: Start a dropshipping business where you sell products online without having to handle inventory, partnering with suppliers who handle the storage, packaging, and shipping of the products.

Remember to consider your strengths, passions, and available time when selecting the right business idea for you.

A successful business not only offers financial rewards but also the opportunity to contribute to your community and build valuable connections.

10 Best Online Business For Students In Nigeria