7 Unconventional Ways Nigerian Students Pay Their School Fees

A lot of Nigerian students are piecing together school fees from creative, fast, and often informal sources.

These routes can bridge a gap when scholarships, parental support, or bank loans fall short, but they also come with trade-offs. 

Here are 7 Unconventional Ways Nigerian Students Pay Their School Fees:

1) Short-term project work for lecturers or departments

Students with practical skills, research assistance, lab support, data entry, or event logistics take paid tasks that fit around lectures. The appeal is flexibility and relevant experience that can translate into references later. To avoid misunderstandings, students should agree on scope, rates, and payment dates in writing, even if it’s just a simple one-page note.

2) Peer-to-peer lending circles (ajo/esusu)

Small groups contribute a fixed amount weekly or monthly, and each member receives the pot in turn. It’s a way to access a predictable lump sum without bank paperwork. The discipline can be intense, though: late payments strain relationships, so participants need a steady cash flow and clear rules for missed contributions.

3) Course-based tutoring and study materials

High performers turn their strengths into income by selling well-organised notes and past questions or by running small-group tutorials for juniors. This can become steady, term-long revenue, especially when sessions are scheduled and prepaid. Students should stay within school rules and avoid sharing restricted materials.

4) Campus micro-entrepreneurship (food, printing, recharge)

Low-capital services—snacks and meal prep, phone-recharge reselling, photocopying and printing—generate daily cash flow during the term. Success depends on location, opening hours, and consistent quality. Profit margins are thin, so careful tracking of costs is essential to keep the business worthwhile.

5) Weekend coaching or skill workshops

Short, practical classes in basic graphic design, social media management, CV writing, or exam techniques can draw paying attendees. Because organisers control pricing and materials, most of the revenue stays with them. It helps to budget for venues and handouts and to collect fees upfront to reduce no-shows.

6) Asset-backed or family-guaranteed microloans

Some students secure small loans from relatives or trusted community members, sometimes backed by a guarantor or an asset. These arrangements can provide a larger lump sum when deadlines loom, but they work best with a realistic repayment plan and written terms to prevent family conflict.

7) Crowdfunding and alumni micro-grants

Targeted campaigns on crowdfunding platforms or appeals to alumni hardship funds can close a tuition gap quickly. Credibility matters: applicants should explain their situation clearly, provide verifiable details, and share proof of payment after funds are used. It’s also wise to understand platform fees and respect privacy.