In Nigeria today, side hustles are no longer just pocket-money ventures. Rising costs of living, tight allowances, and the reach of social media are pushing undergraduates to monetise their skills—sometimes turning small after-class gigs into thriving businesses before graduation.
From freelancing to campus-based hustles, students are building portfolios, learning client management, and developing marketing skills under pressure. By the time they collect their degrees, many already have established careers and sustainable income streams.
1. Graphic Design and Digital Branding
Many students start by designing flyers for school clubs or social media posters for events. With practice and referrals, these skills grow into full-fledged design agencies or social media branding studios. By graduation, some undergraduates are already charging retainers to local startups and businesses.
2. Event Hosting, DJing, and Entertainment Production
Campus parties and shows provide the perfect stage for aspiring emcees, DJs, and backstage crew. What begins with small gigs quickly scales to weddings, corporate launches, and nightlife events in nearby cities. Students who master sound, lighting, and crowd engagement often turn these roles into registered event companies or artist management outfits.
3. Fashion, Tailoring, and Small Label Retail
Custom outfits for hallmates often evolve into full-on fashion businesses. Students who learn sourcing, production timing, and inventory control can expand into social commerce and pop-up retail. Many young designers today started their brands in campus hostels, growing into labels that serve customers both locally and abroad.
4. Tech Freelancing and Product Studios
From fixing classmates’ websites to building apps for small businesses, campus techies often stumble into careers early. With consistency, they create freelance shops or mini product studios, win contracts from NGOs and startups, and sometimes build products that scale globally. Some student-led tech projects have even landed international clients before graduation.
5. Campus Media, Podcasting, and Content Businesses
Blogs, YouTube channels, and podcasts are powerful training grounds. Students learn content strategy, audience growth, and sponsorship sales. Successful projects expand into PR consultancies, subscription newsletters, or media startups that generate income through ads and brand partnerships.
6. Food Enterprises and Catering Startups
Food is a reliable hustle for students. From hostel food stalls to weekend baking orders, many undergraduates scale into catering services and delivery-first food brands. With consistent recipes, creative packaging, and strong delivery systems, campus cooks often turn their side hustle into profitable citywide food businesses.
