Nigerian Students Drive Campus Gig Economy, Earning ₦400B Annually
A nationwide study of 4,000 students across 55 Nigerian universities reveals that 66% earn income while studying, contributing to a campus economy generating ₦400 billion annually. Olajire Azeez earned ₦150,000 monthly as a social media manager, while Victoria Akinbode supplements income through shoe sales on WhatsApp. This income supports families amid Nigeria's 14% inflation, with 87% of workers in self-employment. Students earn primarily through digital services (26% content, 15% marketing), with 43% working for Nigerian companies and 17% for foreign clients. Most businesses operate via WhatsApp, with 53% relying on the platform. This economy sustains 42% of students' households, highlighting education's role in economic survival.