How to Start a Business in the University (Even With Low Capital)
Starting a business as a university student in Nigeria can be a game-changer. With the recent increase in the minimum wage to ₦77,000, and the rising cost of living, students are now more eager to earn money and support themselves while in school.
Luckily, there are profitable business ideas that don’t require huge capital. In this guide, we’ll explore smart, low-risk business opportunities for Nigerian students on campus in 2025 — including VTU services, baking, hair styling, and more.
1. Start a VTU Business (MTN Recharge Vendor)
One of the easiest businesses to start in the university is a VTU (Virtual Top-Up) recharge card business.
👉 How it works:
- MTN offers discounts to merchants and vendors who sell airtime directly.
- As a student, you can register as an MTN VTU agent.
- You buy airtime at a discount and resell to classmates, hostel mates, or even lecturers.
- Promote your service on WhatsApp groups, WhatsApp status, or use bulk SMS tools.
✅ Startup cost: Very low
✅ Target market: Students, lecturers, hostel residents
✅ Profit: Daily commission from each top-up
2. Learn Baking (Cakes, Donuts & Snacks)
Food will always sell — especially snacks in university environments. Baking is one of the best small-scale businesses for Nigerian students.
👉 How to get started:
- Learn baking for free on YouTube (search “how to bake donuts” or “Nigerian cake tutorial”).
- Practice small batches and sell to classmates.
- Target morning or evening hours when students are hungry.
✅ Startup cost: ₦10,000–₦20,000 for basic ingredients and tools
✅ Where to sell: Hostels, faculty areas, school gate
✅ Bonus tip: Offer birthday cakes for students
3. Hair Styling & Braiding Business
Hair-making is another hot business for university ladies and gents. If you know how to braid or style hair, you’re sitting on a money-making skill.
👉 How to start:
- Learn from a nearby salon or YouTube.
- Offer home service hair styling to female students or even lecturers.
- Use Instagram or WhatsApp to showcase your work.
✅ Startup cost: ₦0 if you learn from an apprentice or free tutorials
✅ Profit: ₦1,000–₦5,000 per client
✅ Extra tip: Offer seasonal deals or refer-a-friend promos
4. Learn Shoe Making (Campus & Beyond)
Shoe making is a skill that continues to thrive. You can sell custom footwear to fellow students or even take your brand online.
👉 Getting started:
- Attach yourself to a local shoemaker around school.
- Learn for 2–3 months.
- Design and brand your work. Use WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter to market your shoes.
✅ Startup cost: ₦15,000–₦30,000 for learning + materials
✅ Target market: Students, online customers, local shops
5. Barbing and Haircuts (For Male Students)
If you’re a guy looking for a consistent hustle, consider barbing. People need haircuts every week, and offering a mobile barbing service gives you flexibility.
👉 Steps to begin:
- Learn from a barbing salon near school (3 months is enough).
- Invest in a clipper and basic tools.
- Offer home service barbing to your hostel, or even travel to your customers.
✅ Startup cost: ₦15,000–₦25,000 for tools
✅ Profit: ₦500–₦1,500 per haircut
✅ Tip: Partner with salons during the weekend for more gigs
⚠️ Avoid Ponzi Schemes!
Many students get tempted by fake investment platforms promising huge returns. Avoid Ponzi or get-rich-quick schemes — they’ve scammed Nigerians since 2020 and are still dangerous in 2025.
Instead, focus on real skills and build a side hustle that can support you now and even after school.
Conclusion: You Can Start Small & Win Big
Being a university student in Nigeria doesn’t mean you can’t succeed financially. With the right mindset and business idea, you can start small and grow your hustle while still studying.
🔥 Top Takeaways:
- Start with what you have (phone, time, passion)
- Use YouTube to learn skills for free
- Promote your services on WhatsApp & Instagram
- Stay consistent and avoid scams