There is no denying that students in various universities in Nigeria have taken to one form of business or another to make a living while studying.
Although it is a secondary purpose of being a student, that does not undermine the need for it. The need to make money as a student has been occasioned by the askew turn of events in the educational system, and indeed the Nigerian economic situation as a whole.
If I were older, and had the opportunity to go to school in the 80s and 90s, this is where I’d say, I remember how things used to be different and much better.
Inasmuch as I can’t recollect in that manner, I can retell stories I heard of Nigeria’s glorious past. About how students lived in luxury in school: getting allowances, free meals, and even a job waiting for them immediately after graduation; it was indeed a privilege to be a student in Nigeria.
Today, things are no longer the same. The harsh economy has deprived most the support of their parents/sponsors; and those that do support do so with great discomfort.
How about the stifling unemployment they have to grapple with after school? All of these have raised the need for students to not just make money while in school, but also, in preparation for its aftermath.
Unfortunately, there is a fine line between the desire to start something productive in school and actually being successful at it.
It is just like in the real (outside) world, not every business endeavour thrives or ensures good returns. For students who want to eliminate their financial woes, this article reveals first-hand experience on certain areas that guarantee monetary gains.
1. Tutorials
Everyday in school a lot of tutorial sessions are held and a lot of money is made. Students teach other students and make money off it.
Very legit and very easy. Now you may be saying to yourself that you are not intelligent enough to tutor someone, but interestingly, you don’t have to be.
All you have to do is understand a particular concept or course or project well enough to be able to transfer that same knowledge.
It would amaze you how many people are willing to pay to learn the same thing. The benefits of holding tutorials is two-pronged; 1. You make money; 2. You develop yourself. You can support yourself financially by doing this.
Also, don’t assume that you can only make money off academic tutorials. No. If you are an experienced guitarist, programmer or whatever, monetize it and see how those skills can bring you cash.
2. Ushering
In recent times, this job opportunity has grown significantly in Nigerian schools. Ushers are those people that attend to guests at events, mostly involved in serving refreshments.
I had a friend in school who used to do this. On just one outing, she could make as much as N5000. Just one outing, and there are always more than one in a week.
Isn’t that good enough? If you already have some capital, reliable friends and some connection, you could even start up your own ushering outfit.
The more you put yourself out there the more your client base grows, which translates to more money. Establishing an ushering team is not an uphill task, after all, someone in my class did, and she was awarded for it.
But if you are not up for that, you can simply join an ushering group. Now here’s an aside: there is no harm in being a free agent.
What this means is that you can work for any ushering team at all at any time. Networking increases your chances of getting new leads.
3. Computer services
Do you have a computer? And perhaps a printer? Now, if you do have them but purely for leisure then I can assume you are not in any financial crisis.I can make this assumption because with the kind of equipment you have, a lot of money can be made. In case you don’t know how, let me enlighten you.
Nigerian universities are overpopulated with people in need for computer services such as, printing, photocopying, scanning, etc.
As a student, you may not have a shop where all and sundry can come to but you do have two business points – your class and your hostel.
There is always a material to photocopy or print in class, that is standard. Take advantage of this. Let your course mates know that you can do it for them perhaps at a cheaper rate if you please.
From being the ‘computer person’ in your class, you could reach other classes in your department, depending on how driven you are.
Back at the hostel, these same services are needed. In fact, doing what you do in there is a relief for students who wouldn’t want to go either downstairs or outside the hostel to get the same thing done.
4. Become a DJ
Since the likes of DJ Jimmy Jatt paved the way for Nigerian DJs, there has been a high demand for disc jockeys, even in school.
The university is a perfect place for any DJ looking to make extra cash while schooling. This is because there are always myriads of events each day on campuses across Nigerian universities. Most of which require the services of a DJ.
If you are a DJ who has not gone professional with it, now is the time to. If you are not a DJ but would like to learn the craft, by all means start; no skill is impossible to pick up.
Who knows where it could take you. It might not all end in school, it might just become a source of income for you even after school.
So, see the big picture. Start by getting recognized by your faculty and then gradually you’ll become a brand everyone wants to have on his show.
5. Barbing services
There is no cause to say much on this. Barbing is one business its curators would always benefit from even if there are 5 of them on the same street.
People will always wear clothes, and surely, will always have their hair cut or styled. Offering this service in your hostel is an intelligent step.
I’ll tell you why. Apart from having more than enough customers to keep you busy the entire day, you have free electricity and free space to operate.
No fuel to buy, no expenses except regular servicing of your clipper. The last time I checked, having a haircut is around N300, multiply that times 10, that is N3000. That could be yours in a day. How about a week? I’ll leave that to you.
There are many other ways to make money in school, some are legit while others are not. If you don’t fancy any of the above, you can also consider:
1. Offering bulk sms services
2. Work-study programs in school
3. Buying and selling unique products
4. Running a bukka/food outlet
5. Political positions, etc.
Whatever you do, don’t for any reason allow making money usurp the place of what being a student implies.
COMMENT BELOW
EmoticonEmoticon