Let’s face it: NYSC is a year of mixed feelings. You’re away from home, living on a budget, adjusting to a new place, all while trying to stay sane and maybe even build something for your future.
Yes, the federal allowance is now N77,000, a big improvement from the old N33k. But once you subtract transport, food, light bills (if you’re lucky to have any), data subscriptions, and those unexpected “we go contribute small money” moments… let’s just say the money starts vanishing before it even hits your account.
So if you’re thinking, “How can I make extra cash without killing myself in the process?” you’re not alone.
This is where a side hustle comes in, but before you run off to start one, let’s pause and ask the one question that matters most:
What Value Do You Have to Offer?
Forget the trendy hustle lists. The first step is to figure out:
What skill, knowledge, or energy do I carry that people need and will pay for?
Can you write or explain things clearly? That’s content creation or tutoring.
Are you skilled in creating designs, layouts, or presentations? That’s graphic design or social media.
Are you good at organising people or tasks? You can become a virtual assistant.
The hustle should fit YOU. Not the other way around.
Now, let’s explore side hustles that work with what you already have, especially as a corps member with limited time, energy, and (let’s be honest) cash.
Side hustles you can start during NYSC
1. Content Creation / Social Media Management
You don’t need 50k followers to create content for brands or manage accounts.
Many small businesses, churches, and creators are looking for help with captions, post design, video editing, and follower engagement.
Start with: Canva for designs
CapCut or InShot for reels and TikTok
Scheduling apps like Buffer or Meta Business Suite
Tips:
N15k–N50k monthly per account
Bonus: You can manage multiple brands remotely
2. Freelance Digital Services (Writing, Design, Web Development)
If you can design, write articles, edit videos, or build simple websites, there’s demand both in Nigeria and abroad.
Where to find gigs:
Upwork.com
Fiverr.com
Diglancers.com (Africa-based)
Local WhatsApp business groups
Tips:
Create 3–5 sample works
Offer to manage one gig free or discounted to build reviews
Start with small, quick projects and scale
3. Virtual Assistant (VA) Services
As a VA, you help clients handle day-to-day tasks like inbox management, social media replies, bookings, or document formatting. The best part? It’s fully remote and usually flexible with time.
Skills needed: Email etiquette
Basic spreadsheet or Google Docs knowledge
Time management
Where to get jobs:
LinkedIn
Remotasks
Zirtual
Upwork/Fiverr (create a service offering)
4. Online and Home Tutoring
If you’re strong in Math, English, Sciences, or even basic computer use, you can earn from it. Whether online (Zoom, WhatsApp) or in your host community, tutoring is always in demand.
What to teach:
JSS/SSS subjects
WAEC/UTME prep
Primary level classes
Computer literacy
Start with:
A simple flyer and a WhatsApp group
Word of mouth at your PPA
Edu-focused platforms (Tuteria)
5. Importation and Reselling
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You don’t need N200k to start a mini-importation business. Many corps members purchase earrings, skincare products, bags, or gadgets from platforms like 1688 or Alibaba, then resell them on WhatsApp, Instagram, or CDS on designated days.
What works well:
Accessories
Home appliances
Thrift fashion
Korean skincare/perfumes
Pro tip: Start small, post consistently, and reinvest profits.
6. Photography / Videography
If you’re handy with your smartphone or digital camera this side hustle can pay you more than you think, especially if you go beyond just “taking pictures” and offer content-based storytelling.
People are now paying to be followed around, especially at birthdays, hangouts, and, just to get aesthetic recap videos for their Instagram, TikTok, or Reels.
You don’t need a studio. You just need your IPhone, good angles, clean editing, and a bit of creativity.
Tools to use: Snapseed, VN Editor, CapCut, InShot
Pro Tip:
This is more than photography, this is mobile content creation. People will pay to have their everyday moments captured and turned into short, viral-worthy videos. Learn editing, transitions, and color grading, and you can charge N10k–N50k per event without carrying a single camera.
This is especially hot on Instagram and TikTok right now, where everyone wants cinematic Reels or vlogs for memories and brand image.
How to Start Today
Pick just ONE hustle to start with
You can expand later, but avoid starting too many at once.
Build a simple portfolio or flier
One PDF with samples, or a few highlights on your Instagram/WhatsApp story
Promote it consistently
Post every week. Offer free trials or discounts. Let people know what you do.
Keep learning & upgrading your skills
Watch YouTube tutorials. Take free courses on platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, or Digify Africa.
NYSC is more than “serving your country.” It’s your test drive for real life.
It’s the perfect time to try things, fail fast, and grow.
No pressure. Just progress.
Don’t wait for POP to figure out your money moves.
Start now, even if it’s N5k a week. That N5k becomes N20k, N50k, N100k.
The earlier you start showing up for yourself, the earlier life starts showing up for you.
Source: TheNation
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