For many Nigerian students, juggling academic deadlines, campus activities, and financial responsibilities can feel like an endless race. While scholarships and allowances might help, they rarely stretch far enough to cover textbooks, daily expenses, and unexpected bills.
The idea of picking up a traditional part-time job may sound daunting — especially with class schedules that change every semester. But here’s the good news: you can now earn a decent income from the comfort of your hostel or home with just a laptop, stable internet, and a few hours a week.
Thanks to technology and the rise of the gig economy, students across Nigeria and beyond can now tap into flexible, remote job opportunities online. Whether you’re studying Mass Communication in UNILAG, Engineering in FUTA, or Law in UNIBEN, there are remote job options tailored to your strengths.
In this two-part article, we’ll explore 19 of the best online jobs for students, breaking them down by average pay, required skills, and why they’re ideal for students looking to boost their bank accounts while building experience for life after graduation.
Let’s dive into Part 1:
1. Social Media Manager
- Average Pay: ₦15,000 to ₦40,000/hour (equivalent to $14–$35/hour)
- Best For: Mass Communication, Marketing, or Design students
Social media isn’t just about vibes anymore — it’s big business. Brands are always looking for fresh voices to help them create content, schedule posts, respond to followers, and run ad campaigns. If you know how to grow an Instagram page or create viral TikToks, you’re already halfway there.
Skills Needed:
- Graphic design (Canva, Photoshop)
- Copywriting and content creation
- Analytics and social media tools (Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Community management
Why it’s great for students: You can work flexible hours and even grow your own social media brand as proof of your skills.
2. Online Tutor
- Average Pay: ₦20,000 to ₦40,000/hour
- Best For: Education, Science, Maths, English, or IT majors
If you’re doing well in a subject, why not teach it to others? Online tutoring platforms like Cambly, Preply, and Chegg Tutors connect students with tutors around the world. You don’t always need a teaching certificate — just strong knowledge and clear communication.
Skills Needed:
- Subject expertise
- Strong communication
- Patience and teaching style
- Zoom or Google Meet proficiency
Why it’s great for students: It reinforces your own academic knowledge and offers flexibility to teach during your free time.
3. Virtual Assistant
- Average Pay: ₦10,000 to ₦25,000/hour
- Best For: Admin-savvy students or those studying Business, ICT, or Communications
Virtual assistants help with everything from scheduling appointments and data entry to managing emails and social media. Many business owners and executives are too busy to handle all their day-to-day tasks, so they outsource to remote assistants — and that could be you.
Skills Needed:
- Time management
- Communication and email etiquette
- Basic Excel/Google Sheets
- Research
Why it’s great for students: It teaches you how to be organized, professional, and efficient — skills every employer looks for.
4. Freelance Writer
- Average Pay: ₦15,000 to ₦40,000/hour
- Best For: English, Journalism, and Mass Communication students
From writing blog posts and newsletters to sales copy and web content, freelance writing is in demand. If you enjoy storytelling, research, and clarity in expression, this job will feel more like a hobby than a hustle.
Skills Needed:
- Creativity and clarity
- Research and editing
- SEO knowledge (optional but helpful)
- Proofreading
Why it’s great for students: You build a portfolio that can help you land internships or full-time gigs in media or marketing.
5. Transcriptionist
- Average Pay: ₦17,000 to ₦25,000/hour
- Best For: Fast typists and detail-oriented students
Transcriptionists turn audio into text. From Zoom meetings and podcasts to legal or medical content, there’s a high demand for clear, accurate transcriptions. If you’re good at listening and typing quickly, this could be your niche.
Skills Needed:
- Fast and accurate typing
- Good grammar
- Attention to detail
- Headphones and transcription software (like Otter or Temi)
Why it’s great for students: You can do it at your own pace and learn technical language in your field of study.
6. Graphic Designer
- Average Pay: ₦15,000 to ₦35,000/hour
- Best For: Fine Arts, Architecture, and Design students
If you’re skilled with Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or Photoshop, many businesses will pay you to create logos, flyers, infographics, and digital ads. Visual content is essential for marketing, and skilled designers are in high demand.
Skills Needed:
- Design software proficiency
- Creative thinking
- Branding and layout
- Color theory
Why it’s great for students: You can build a portfolio and attract bigger clients over time — all while earning money from your creativity.
7. Web Designer
- Average Pay: ₦15,000 to ₦30,000/hour
- Best For: Computer Science or IT students
Every business needs a website. Web designers help build user-friendly, functional websites using tools like WordPress, HTML/CSS, and web builders like Wix or Shopify. If you’re already learning web development in school, this job lets you practice and get paid.
Skills Needed:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- UI/UX design
- WordPress or Squarespace
- Responsive design
Why it’s great for students: It directly complements your academic work and helps you land tech internships later.
8. Video Editor
- Average Pay: ₦10,000 to ₦60,000/hour
- Best For: Students with a passion for film, media, or content creation
From YouTube videos to social media ads, there’s a growing demand for video content. As a video editor, you can work with vloggers, marketers, or even local event planners. All you need are editing skills and creativity.
Skills Needed:
- Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or CapCut
- Audio and color correction
- Transitions and effects
- Storytelling through visuals
Why it’s great for students: It offers creative satisfaction and flexible hours. Plus, you can use class breaks to edit videos.
9. Proofreader
- Average Pay: ₦18,000 to ₦35,000/hour
- Best For: English majors or students with sharp grammar skills
Proofreading is perfect if you enjoy reading and have an eye for detail. You’ll review documents, articles, and content before they are published to catch errors and improve readability.
Skills Needed:
- Grammar and punctuation
- Spelling and sentence structure
- Familiarity with editing tools (Grammarly, Hemingway)
- Focus and concentration
Why it’s great for students: You can do this anytime, even at night, and it helps improve your writing too.
10. Photo Editor
- Average Pay: ₦18,000 to ₦35,000/hour
- Best For: Students in photography, arts, or digital design
Photo editing is more than just adding filters. Professional editors adjust lighting, correct colors, remove blemishes, and enhance images for websites, campaigns, and social media.
Skills Needed:
- Photoshop or Lightroom
- Retouching and color correction
- Image manipulation
- Creativity and file organization
Why it’s great for students: It sharpens your creative skills and provides opportunities to work with photographers or influencers.
