There are lots of lucrative side businesses for students that are quite profitable in Nigeria.

Someone could easily ask why an undergraduate would need a side hustle or business when his/her parent is supposed to provide everything.

Well, the reality of today’s world and the economy has given different people a lot of reasons as to why they would want a side business in 2021.

Since Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) called off the 8-month strike, it doesn’t look like universities are resuming soon due to the directives of the Federal Government on the second wave of COVID-19.

Many young lives are put on hold because they can’t return to school.

Taking advantage of the time to get some skill, create a business plan and start a business is a smart step to take for any undergraduate.

If you’re a student that wants to establish your entrepreneurial side, you are at the right place.

Also Read: See 50 Businesses You Can Start With 50,000 Naira, No. 48 Will Surprise You

Top 10 Profitable Side Business for Undergraduates In 2021

This article will show you a list of businesses you can start before the strike gets called off.

Guess what?

You can continue these businesses when you get back to school.

Let’s get straight into it. Here’s ten lucrative side business for students in 2021.

1. Freelance writing

One sure lucrative side business for students is freelance writing. If writing is one of your hobbies and forte, you can make a lot of cool cash from this skill.

Most website owners need copywriters that can write good advertising and business copies.

It would be interesting to use your skill in this area. Being a ghost-writer for authors is also one of the ways to use your writing skills.

There are lots of students earning about a hundred thousand Naira in a month with this skill.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to sharpen it if you have to.

2. Photography

Photography has by far been a lucrative side business for students in Nigeria.

If you are good at taking good and clear photos, then you might need to get a camera. Tutorials are available online to help enlighten you.

You can also learn photography to render professional services to people.

Memories are made with photos, whether at events or locations.

3. Mobile phones/ Computer repair

Repairing your colleagues’ mobile phone and computers can be a profitable side business for students.

All you need is the right skill and adequate knowledge about the devices.

You can do these on weekends while you do your schoolwork on weekdays.

4. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is one of the newest side business for students in Nigeria.

Guess what? You can run this business on your mobile phone. The first thing you need to do is open an online store.

Dropshipping is all about creating a store, connecting that store to another store online.

When people click to buy on your store, the order alongside the buyer’s information goes directly to that other store with the real content.

You don’t need to worry about shipping the items or even storing them. The orders go directly to the buyer.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves marketing a product and getting a commission for every time that product gets sold under your affiliate or unique web link.

All you need is your mobile phone and data. You don’t need any amount of money to start it.

To take this particular side business to a whole new level, you can start an affiliate marketing niche blog.

This would help you get more buyers and create brand awareness for your business.

6. Graphic designing

This is a side business for students that can be built into a career after graduating.

Graphic designing is quite profitable but can be time-consuming. It’s only for those who know how to manage their time properly.

To start this business, you need the right knowledge, laptop, data and a whole lot of creativity.

7. Social media management

Turning your hobby into a money-making machine is the way to go in 2021.

Social management is a profitable side hustle for students. The mobile data you burn monthly can be used to fetch in some income for you.

Study social media marketing/managing online and render the services to business owners, and individuals that need to promote or manage their social media platforms.

Once again, your mobile phone and data are all you need to start.

8. Web development

Freelance web development is an incredible side business for students. Guess what? It can be transformed into a successful career after graduating.

Learn the necessary skill and start developing a website for business owners for a token.

9. Modelling

You might consider modelling if you have the right and attractive features.

Who says you have to be a runway model? You can be a commercial model for different clothing and fashion brands as an undergraduate.

10. Catering services

Parties are quite common in most higher institutions. You can learn how to bake and cook several delicacies that are served at parties.

With a unique mix of packaging, there’s every chance you will get lots of recommendation from one client to another.

The interesting part of catering isn’t just the profit of the side business, it can become a full-time career for you after schooling.

Also Read 5 Important Business Skills Every Entrepreneur Should Know In 2020