Are you currently serving or preparing to go for your NYSC and wondering how to make extra income during the service year?
Have you been asking questions like:
"How can I earn extra money during NYSC?"
"What side hustles can I do as a corps member?"
"How can I survive on NYSC allowance?"
If yes, you’re not alone — and the good news is, this article you’re currently reading will show you practical, tested, and easy ways to earn extra income during NYSC—even if you’re posted to a rural area.Do you know that with your phone, laptop, or just your skill, you can start making money during your NYSC without affecting your primary assignment? Yes, it's very possible!
So whether you're looking to support yourself, save more, or even launch a full-time business after NYSC, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into how to earn extra income during NYSC in Nigeria, one step at a time.
🔥 Why You Need Extra Income During NYSC
Before we talk about the “how,” let’s understand why it’s necessary:
The NYSC monthly allowance (allawee) is not enough. With ₦33,000 (as of 2024), many corps members struggle with rent, feeding, transportation, and other daily expenses.
Some PPA (Place of Primary Assignment) don’t pay corps members.
You need to build financial discipline early.
You can turn a side hustle into a post-NYSC business.
✅ 17 Legit Ways to Earn Extra Income During NYSC
Let’s break down the most realistic and profitable ways corps members can make money during NYSC.
1. Start Freelancing Online
If you can write, design, edit videos, or manage social media, then freelancing is a great way to earn in dollars or naira.
Popular freelancing sites:
Skills in demand:
Graphic design
Writing and editing
Video editing
Web development
SEO and digital marketing
Tip: Start small. Offer affordable services and grow from there.
2. Sell on Instagram or WhatsApp
Selling online is hot right now. You don’t even need a shop.
What can you sell?
Clothes, shoes, bags
Skincare products
Hair products
Phone accessories
Tools you need:
A good phone camera
Your WhatsApp/Instagram business account
A little capital for inventory
3. Offer Private Tutoring
If you're good in Maths, English, or sciences, parents will pay you to tutor their children.
How to start:
Create simple flyers (use Canva)
Advertise on WhatsApp groups or Facebook
Charge by the hour or weekly
4. Become a POS Agent (Mobile Money Business)
This is one of the most popular businesses among corps members.
What you need:
Capital (₦50,000–₦100,000)
A POS machine (can be bought or rented)
A strategic location (busy area, market, etc.)
5. Blogging or Vlogging
If you love writing or speaking, blogging or starting a YouTube channel can be fun and profitable.
Monetization options:
Google AdSense
Affiliate marketing
Brand sponsorships
6. Social Media Management
Many small businesses need help managing their social pages.
Skills you need:
Content creation
Scheduling posts
Basic graphic design (use Canva)
7. Start a Laundry Business
Corps members in cities and even towns often don’t have time to wash their clothes.
How to start:
Offer wash-and-iron services
Use WhatsApp for bookings
Charge weekly or per load
8. Learn and Offer Photography
Photography is always in demand — birthdays, weddings, church programs.
What you need:
A decent smartphone or camera
Basic editing skills
Creative eye
9. Create and Sell Digital Products
E-books, templates, CVs, and guides are all sellable.
What you can create:
"How to pass WAEC/NECO"
"How to start a side hustle"
"Beginner’s guide to freelancing"
10. Affiliate Marketing
Promote other people’s products and earn a commission.
Popular affiliate programs in Nigeria:
Expertnaire
Learnoflix
Jumia affiliate
Amazon Associates (for international audience)
11. Become a Makeup Artist
If you have a flair for beauty, this can be a weekend goldmine.
Get started by:
Watching YouTube tutorials
Practicing with friends
Offering trial sessions to grow your portfolio
12. Learn and Offer Tech Skills
The tech space is booming.
Skills you can learn during NYSC:
Web development
Graphic design
UI/UX design
Data analysis
Cybersecurity
Tip: Use free platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or YouTube.
13. Start a Food Delivery or Snacks Business
Corps members are always hungry — fact.
Ideas:
Cook rice/spaghetti and deliver in schools or offices
Sell small chops at events
Make snacks like chin-chin, puff-puff, egg rolls, etc.
14. Teach Online Classes
Use your NYSC time to build a personal brand.
What to teach:
WAEC/NECO coaching
JAMB tutorials
Skill classes (e.g., Canva, video editing)
15. Print & Design Services
If you can handle basic designs, this business has consistent demand.
What to offer:
Business cards
ID cards
Flyers
CV formatting
16. Mini Importation
Buy cheap goods from China and sell in Nigeria.
Platforms to start with:
1688.com (via an agent)
Alibaba
Aliexpress
Products to consider:
Smart watches
Hair accessories
Bluetooth speakers
17. Offer Typing/Assignment Services
Serve students, lecturers, or small business owners.
Tools:
Laptop
Printer (optional)
🎯 Quick Tips for Managing NYSC + Side Hustle
Don’t let your side hustle affect your PPA duties.
Start small. Even ₦5,000 can start something.
Keep learning. Invest in books, courses, and videos.
Stay safe. Don’t meet strangers alone or take risky jobs.
💬 10 Most Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I really make money during NYSC?
Yes, thousands of corps members earn monthly from small businesses, freelancing, and online work.
2. What side hustle is best for a corps member?
Freelancing, POS business, tutoring, and selling online are some of the best options.
3. Do I need capital to start a business during NYSC?
Some side hustles require capital (e.g., POS), while others like freelancing or teaching online need no capital.
4. Can I combine business with my PPA?
Yes, as long as your side hustle doesn’t interfere with your PPA responsibilities.
5. Is freelancing worth it during NYSC?
Absolutely! It’s flexible, remote, and can pay in foreign currency.
6. What are the easiest online jobs for NYSC corps members?
Online tutoring, data entry, content writing, and virtual assistant roles are easy to start.
7. How much can I earn monthly?
It depends on your hustle. Some corps members earn between ₦30,000 to ₦200,000 monthly from side jobs.
8. Can I start a business with ₦10,000?
Yes. You can start selling snacks, clothes, or offer services like typing and laundry.
9. Where can I learn tech skills during NYSC?
Free sites like Coursera, Udemy, YouTube, or paid platforms like AltSchool.
10. Can I continue my side hustle after NYSC?
Definitely! Many ex-corps members grow their NYSC hustle into full-time businesses.
