How to Make Passive Income Online as a Student in Nigeria by Blogging
How to Make Passive Income Online as a Student in Nigeria by Blogging: So you’re a university student in Nigeria, probably juggling classes, assignments, and maybe even a side hustle or two. You’ve heard people talk about “making money online” or “passive income,” and you’re wondering, “Is this even real?” Well, yes—it is. And one of the most sustainable and realistic ways to do it, even as a broke student, is through blogging.
Now before you roll your eyes and think, “I don’t have money for that” or “Only tech bros can do it”—pause. This guide is specially written for you, the student with limited resources but big dreams. Let’s talk real: you won’t become a millionaire overnight, but if you stick with it, blogging can become a legit source of passive income.
Table of Contents
What is Passive Income?
Passive income is money you earn without having to actively work for it all the time. Unlike your typical part-time job or freelance gig where you earn per hour or per task, passive income continues to generate money even when you’re not constantly working. Think of it like planting a seed—you water it consistently, and eventually, it starts growing on its own.
Blogging is one of the few online businesses that allows you to build passive income gradually. Once you’ve written and published helpful articles, they can bring in traffic (visitors) and income for months or even years.
Why Blogging?
Here’s why blogging makes sense for students, especially in Nigeria:
- Low startup cost: You don’t need a big capital. With less than ₦10,000, you can set up a basic blog.
- You already write a lot: You’re a student. You’re already used to writing. Why not write for yourself and earn from it?
- Flexible schedule: You can blog during your free time—no boss, no deadlines.
- Leverage your knowledge: Whether it’s tech, fashion, academics, relationships, or campus life, there’s an audience for your voice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Start Blogging (Even If You’re Broke)
1. Pick a Niche You Enjoy
A niche is just a fancy way of saying “topic” or “area of focus.” Don’t choose something just because it seems profitable. Choose what you can write about consistently. Some good niche ideas for Nigerian students include:
- Campus lifestyle
- Study tips and scholarship updates
- Gossip and entertainment
- Tech tutorials
- Make money online
- Fashion and beauty for students
- Faith and motivation
Pro Tip: Pick something you have some knowledge about and are willing to learn more.
2. Get a Blog Name and Domain
This is the name of your blog. It could be something simple like CampusHack.com or FaithfulScholar.ng. Try to pick a name that’s easy to remember, spell, and type.
Domain Name Tip: You can get cheap domains from sites like Namecheap or DomainKing. A .com.ng
domain can cost as low as ₦1,000 per year.
3. Choose a Blogging Platform
You can either go free or self-hosted:
- Free platforms: Blogger.com or WordPress.com. These are okay for testing, but not the best for making money.
- Self-hosted WordPress: This is what most serious bloggers use. You’ll need a small hosting plan (₦10,000 – ₦20,000 per year). Try hosting companies like Whogohost, SmartWeb, or HostNowNow.
If you’re very broke, start with Blogger.com and later upgrade.
4. Design Your Blog
Once it’s live, choose a nice, simple theme that looks clean and easy to navigate. You don’t need to pay a designer—there are free themes everywhere. Make sure:
- Your blog loads fast
- It’s mobile-friendly (because, let’s face it, most Nigerians use phones)
- Your posts are easy to read (use white backgrounds, black text)
5. Start Writing Helpful Content
This is where the magic happens. Write blog posts that people are searching for. Don’t worry about writing perfect grammar—just be clear and useful.
Some blog post ideas:
- “10 Tips for Surviving 1st Year at UNILAG”
- “How I Study for Exams Without Night Reading”
- “How to Apply for Scholarships in Nigeria”
- “Best Data Plans for Students in 2025”
Use simple, direct English. Write like you’re talking to a friend. Be honest and original.
Tip: Aim for at least 10–15 good posts before thinking of monetization.
How to Make Money From Your Blog (Passive Income Style)
Now to the part you’re probably waiting for: how does this blogging thing actually bring money?
1. Google AdSense
Once your blog has regular content and visitors, you can apply for Google AdSense. It’s a program that puts ads on your blog, and you get paid when people view or click those ads.
- You don’t need to be a tech genius.
- You must follow their rules (no plagiarism, adult content, etc.)
- You can earn in dollars—yes, real $$, not Naira.
Tip: Focus on traffic from the US, UK, or Nigeria—AdSense pays better for foreign traffic.
2. Affiliate Marketing
This is when you recommend products or services and earn a commission when people buy through your link.
Examples:
- Jumia/Konga affiliate programs (earn when people buy phones, clothes, etc.)
- Domain/hosting companies
- Coursera, Udemy (online courses)
Just write blog posts like:
- “Top 5 Budget Phones for Students in Nigeria”
- “How I Bought My First Domain Name for ₦1,000”
Place affiliate links, and boom—commissions roll in over time.
3. Sponsored Posts
As your blog grows, companies may start paying you to write about their products. For example, a fintech app may pay you ₦10,000–₦50,000 for one article promoting their service.
You can also offer ad space on your blog to small businesses around campus or Nigeria at large.
4. Sell Your Own Digital Products
You can create eBooks, guides, or even online courses and sell them through your blog. Examples:
- “My First-Class Study Guide”
- “How to Start Blogging on a Budget (eBook)”
Use platforms like Selar.co to collect payments from Nigerians.
5. Email List Building
If you’re serious about long-term income, start collecting emails. Use free tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit. Offer something like a free checklist, eBook, or campus guide.
Email lists allow you to sell directly to your readers later—even if social media algorithms change or your blog traffic drops.
Common Challenges (and How to Beat Them)
❌ “I Don’t Have a Laptop”
No worries. Start with your smartphone. Use apps like:
1. WordPress App (for posting and editing)
2. Google Docs (for drafting)
3. Canva (for creating images)
4. Chrome (for research and publishing)
Once money starts coming in, reinvest in getting a laptop.
❌ “I Don’t Know How to Write Well”
Nobody starts perfect. Read blogs, watch YouTube videos, and practice. Tools like Grammarly can help with grammar and typos.
The key is consistency, not perfection.
❌ “I Don’t Have Time”
Try this:
Dedicate just 2–3 hours a week
Write one post every weekend
Use lecture-free time wisely
You’ll be surprised how much you can achieve in 3 months.
How Our Team Can Help You Start Earning from Blogging at No cost
You don’t have to go it alone. One of the fastest ways to grow and start earning is to learn directly from someone who has already done it—a blogging “guru.” Here’s how our team will work like a mentor or coach to guide you:
- ✅ Help You Pick a Profitable Niche: A blogging expert can help you choose a niche that’s not only interesting but also has earning potential—avoiding trial and error.
- ✅ Provide Step-by-Step Setup Guidance: From buying a domain name to choosing affordable hosting, a coach can walk you through setting up your blog, even with your small budget.
- ✅ Share Real-Life Strategies That Work in Nigeria: Many online guides are foreign-based. A Nigerian blogging mentor knows what works here—from local affiliate programs to monetizing through platforms like AdSense and Selar.
- ✅ Give You Templates & Content Ideas: Save time and reduce overwhelm with templates for writing blog posts, creating content calendars, and designing banners or lead magnets.
- ✅ Teach SEO and Traffic Generation: Without traffic, your blog won’t earn. A guru can show you how to rank on Google, use WhatsApp for traffic, or promote on Facebook groups effectively.
- ✅ Hold You Accountable: A mentor can keep you consistent with regular check-ins and practical assignments—no more procrastination!
- ✅ Show You Monetization Tricks: From placing affiliate links smartly to negotiating sponsored posts, a coach can teach you money-making hacks most beginners miss.
- ✅ Connect You With Opportunities: Whether it’s ad networks, writing gigs, or digital product launches, a blogging coach often knows people—and opportunities you wouldn’t find on your own.
- ✅ Review and Improve Your Work: A second pair of expert eyes can help fine-tune your content, blog layout, or even pitch emails to sponsors.
- ✅ Motivate You When You Feel Like Giving Up: Blogging can be lonely. A mentor provides encouragement, shares their failures, and reminds you why you started.
In short: a mentor collapses your learning curve and gives you shortcuts from their years of trial and error. For a student looking to start with little or no capital, this kind of support can be a game-changer. We can help you get it right without charging you a dime. Our services to ensure you start earning will completely be free; however, you must be dedicated and passionate about making this passive income.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN WHATSAPP GROUP FOR THE FREE TRAINING
Resources to Help You Get Started
- YouTube channels: CreateStudio, Franklin Emmanuel, SEO Africa
- Blogs: Shoutmeloud, NaijaHacks, SmartPassiveIncome
- Facebook groups: “Blogging in Nigeria”, “Nigerian Student Entrepreneurs”
- Free tools: Canva, Grammarly, Google Keyword Planner
TL;DR (In case you skimmed!)
- Blogging is a legit way for Nigerian students to earn passive income
- Pick a niche you love, create a blog, and write helpful posts
- Monetize with AdSense, affiliate links, sponsored posts, or digital products
- Start with your phone if you don’t have a laptop
- Stay patient, consistent, and always be learning
Final Words on How to Make Passive Income Online as a Student: Stay Consistent and Patient
Look, blogging is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a journey. In the first 3 months, you may not see a dime. But give it 6–12 months of consistency, and things will start moving.
Remember, some Nigerian student bloggers now earn hundreds of thousands monthly—all from what started as a simple blog on campus. consistency in blogging can make you richer than just depending on scholarships or grants from different organisations.
If you’re broke and ambitious, blogging is a smart way to start building your future—right from your hostel bed. Ready to start your blog? Let your voice be heard—and let it make you money too.