When a university goes quiet, the silence isn’t peace—it’s pause. For thousands of Nigerian students caught in the web of yet another ASUU strike, time feels frozen. But hunger doesn’t pause. Rent doesn’t wait. And dreams? They’re impatient.
While some students spiral into boredom or bitterness, others are turning lemons into hustle.
Strike or no strike, survival—and maybe even success—is non-negotiable.
Here are five side hustles Nigerian students are cashing in on during the strike that might just turn into long-term income streams.
1. Graphics Design & Content Creation
You only need a phone or laptop, some data, and a sharp eye for design.
Many students are learning Canva, Photoshop, or using free tools to create flyers, birthday posts, logo mockups, and social media banners for small businesses.
Start small. Offer free samples to friends or school clubs. Use Instagram, WhatsApp status, or Twitter to advertise your work.
2. Home Tutoring & Online Teaching
Primary and secondary schools are in session. Many parents want home tutors or online coaching for their kids, especially in maths, English, sciences, or WAEC/JAMB prep.
Use neighborhood Facebook groups, churches, mosques, or even local notice boards to advertise. Your academic knowledge is a service someone is willing to pay for.
3. Mini Importation & Thrift Resale (Okrika Business)
With ₦10,000–₦20,000, you can start small—importing affordable goods like accessories, phone gadgets, skincare items from China (via apps like 1688 or Alibaba), or flipping quality thrift wears.
Learn basic digital marketing. Take photos in natural light, use TikTok trends, and promote with urgency: “limited stock” or “strike price only”.
4. Freelancing (Writing, Voiceovers, Typing, Transcription)
The gig economy is booming. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and even Nigerian platforms like Asuqu and Terawork offer opportunities for students who can write articles, do data entry, transcribe audio, or record voiceovers.
Start by building a strong profile on freelancing sites. No laptop? You can write and type using your phone + Bluetooth keyboard. Don’t wait to be perfect. Start.
5. Food Vending & Small Chops Delivery
Food sells. Always. Whether it’s jollof rice in reusable packs or puff-puff with a twist, students are making bank from cooking and delivering around their neighborhoods or even inside hostels.
Start with one crowd favorite (e.g., pancakes, parfait, or eggrolls).
Market on WhatsApp groups, Facebook, and church youth fellowships. Keep it clean, consistent, and affordable.
Our Final Advice: Learn A Digital Skill During The Strike
Even if you don’t want to hustle immediately, use the downtime to learn:
* Digital marketing
* Web design
* Data analysis (Excel, SQL)
* UI/UX
* Photography
* Video editing
Many free platforms—Coursera, YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, Google Digital Skills—offer certifications.
When ASUU finally calls off the strike, you’ll return smarter and possibly richer.
Strike Is Pain, But Hustle Can Heal
ASUU strikes steal time. But time doesn’t have to be wasted.
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Nigerian students have always been resourceful, hustling between power outages and broken promises.
So whether it’s tutoring, freelancing, or frying puff-puff—these side hustles are more than Plan B. For some, they may become the real plan.
Because in Nigeria today, school may not “scam” you—but strike sure might.
And while we wait for classrooms to reopen, the street remains open for business.
