Campus life can be exciting, but it can also be tough when your pocket runs dry. Many students rely solely on pocket money or allowances from home, which often isn’t enough to cover all expenses. The good news is that you don’t need a huge amount of capital to start a small business on campus.
With creativity, smart thinking, and a little hustle, you can start something profitable with ₦25,000 or even less. Below are 10 realistic campus business ideas that Nigerian students can start right away.
1. Phone Accessories Business
Phones are everywhere on campus — and so are students who need chargers, earpieces, screen guards, and power banks.
You can start small by buying accessories in bulk from online stores like Jumia or Lagos Computer Village and reselling them to your classmates. With ₦20,000–₦25,000, you can stock a few fast-moving items. Profit margins can go as high as 50%.
👉 Tip: Focus on quality and always have the latest models for popular phones like Tecno, Infinix, and iPhones.
2. Data Reselling & Airtime Business
Students can’t survive without internet data. You can make money by reselling cheap data bundles and airtime to your friends.
All you need is your smartphone and a reseller account with an online platform like VTU.ng, Eazymobile, or Recharge2Cash. With ₦5,000–₦10,000 to start, you can earn small but steady profits every day.
👉 Tip: Be reliable — fast delivery and good customer service will make you the “data plug” everyone trusts.
3. Snacks & Small Chops Business
If you’re good in the kitchen (or willing to learn), you can make snacks like doughnuts, puff-puff, egg rolls, or small chops and sell them in your hostel or lecture area.
You can start with as little as ₦10,000 for ingredients and packaging. Snacks sell fast because students are always hungry and looking for affordable food.
👉 Tip: Pay attention to hygiene and branding — neat packaging attracts more buyers.
4. Thrift (Okrika) Clothing Sales
Fashion is serious business on campus. You can start selling thrift clothes or “okrika” at affordable prices. Buy from local markets like Yaba, Oshodi, or Katangowa and resell on campus or online.
With ₦15,000–₦25,000, you can start small, focusing on trendy items like jeans, tops, and sneakers.
👉 Tip: Use WhatsApp status, Instagram, and Snapchat to showcase your products — students love visuals.
5. Laundry & Ironing Services
Some students are just too busy (or too lazy) to wash their clothes. That’s your opportunity.
With ₦10,000 for detergents, basins, pegs, and an iron, you can start offering laundry services in your hostel or hall. You’ll make more money if you offer fast delivery or pick-up options.
👉 Tip: Target working students or those in final year — they often have less time to do laundry.
6. Graphic Design & Printing
If you have a laptop and know how to use CorelDRAW, Canva, or Photoshop, you can make money designing flyers, business cards, or project covers for fellow students.
Even if you don’t have a laptop yet, you can start learning with your phone and use café computers until you earn enough to buy your own.
👉 Tip: Offer affordable student-friendly prices and create a small social media page to showcase your work.
7. Hair Styling or Barbing
If you’re good with hair or clippers, you can turn that skill into income.
For ₦20,000–₦25,000, you can buy basic barbing tools (clippers, apron, disinfectant) or hairdressing equipment (combs, gel, extensions). Start from your hostel or offer home service.
👉 Tip: Offer discounts or loyalty cards — word-of-mouth spreads fast on campus.
8. Recharge Card Printing
This one has been around for years but still works. You can print recharge cards for MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile using your phone or a small printer.
With just ₦5,000–₦10,000, you can start small, sell to hostel mates, and scale gradually.
👉 Tip: Combine it with data reselling for extra profit.
9. Tutoring or Assignment Assistance
If you’re good in a particular course, you can make money tutoring other students or helping with assignments and projects.
All you need is your knowledge and a good reputation for delivering quality work.
👉 Tip: Market yourself on campus notice boards or WhatsApp groups. Parents and students are always looking for smart, reliable tutors.
10. Perfume Oil Business
Perfume oils are becoming very popular because they’re affordable and long-lasting. You can buy different fragrance oils in bulk (₦15,000–₦20,000) and repackage them in small bottles for sale.
Students love to smell good, so this is a great hustle that requires minimal effort but gives decent profit.
👉 Tip: Start by selling to your friends, and encourage them to refer others. You can even customize scents for them.
💼 Bonus Ideas (If You’re Extra Creative!)
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Phone Charging Business: If your hostel has poor electricity, charge people’s phones for ₦50–₦100.
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Campus Blogging / YouTube: Start a lifestyle or campus gist channel with just your phone camera.
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Digital Skills: Learn copywriting, social media management, or affiliate marketing — all can be done with your smartphone.
🔑 Final Thoughts
Starting a business on campus isn’t about having millions of naira — it’s about having the right mindset. Don’t wait until after graduation to start hustling. Build something small today; it could grow into something much bigger tomorrow.
With just ₦25,000 or less, you can turn your ideas into profit. Start with what you have, stay consistent, and never underestimate the power of small beginnings.
