Are you a Nigerian student looking for decent, reliable, and flexible ways to earn money online?
Glad you found your way here! Making money online while you pursue your education is possible.
And one of the best opportunities available is online writing jobs!
So, in this article, you will explore the five best online writing jobs for students in Nigeria.
Let’s ride on!
Why Online Writing Jobs for Nigerian Students
Here are impressive reasons why online writing jobs are great for Nigerian Students
1. Flexible Working Hours
As a student, balancing work and academics is crucial.
Online writing jobs offer you the freedom to determine when to work.
Whether it’s during the weekends, at night, or between lectures, it’s possible to fit it into your schedule.
2. You Do Not Need Capital or Physical Office Space
All you need is a laptop or smartphone, along with an internet connection.
Since you already have these tools, starting without significant investments is easier.
3. Skill Development
Writing enhances your research, communication, critical thinking, and grammar skills—all of which are essential whether you pursue a writing career or any other career in the future.
Excited about these? Now, let’s get a complete grasp on online writing jobs for students in Nigeria!
5 Types of Online Writing Jobs for Students in Nigeria
Here are some of the online writing jobs students in Nigeria can explore:
1. Academic Writing
Academic writing is one of Nigeria’s most well-paying and in-demand online writing jobs.
It involves assisting clients or students with term papers, essays, dissertations, research projects, and assignments across various subjects, including sociology, healthcare, business, and education.
Excelling in this field requires the following:
- Strong referencing and research skills
- An excellent grasp of academic formatting styles like MLA, APA, or Chicago
- The impressive ability to analyze and present complex information clearly
Academic writing requires a bit more effort, most especially when it comes to understanding the subject matter.
It’s ideal for students who are already excelling academically and want to earn money by applying their knowledge and skills.
Tip for You: Some academic writing platforms pay in dollars.
That’s a better alternative to exploring a client from Nigeria.
Considering the exchange rate, this can be a great source of income.
2. Blog and Article Writing
Blogging is one of the simplest and easiest entry points for new writers.
In this type of writing, writers pay attention to creating informative, engaging, and SEO-friendly content for blogs and websites in niches such as:
- Health and Wellness
- Technology
- Education and career advice
- Personal Finance
- Travel
- Relationships and lifestyle
Article writing demands a conversational tone, the ability to write clearly for the general audience, and a basic understanding of search engine optimization (SEO).
If you enjoy sharing opinions or knowledge, this online writing job for Nigerian students might be the perfect starting point.
Most clients pay per article. Also, when you build a portfolio, you can pitch to established websites, magazines, blogs, and content agencies internationally and locally.
3. Copywriting
This is a more creative and specialized form of writing focused on persuading people to take action and make a decision.
The action could be buying a product, clicking a link, or signing up for a newsletter.
Every day, copywriting tasks include:
- Email marketing campaigns
- Product descriptions
- Writing website landing pages
- Ad scripts for Google and social media
Do you have a knack for words, enjoy marketing and psychology, and understand what makes people tick?
Then, copywriting is a skill worth developing.
Most businesses today are willing to pay top Naira (or even dollars) when writers can write compelling copy that converts readers into customers.
As a student, your journey can start by writing for startups and local small businesses looking to enhance their online presence.
4. Social Media Content Writing
Are you active on platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook?
You can turn that experience into income.
You can easily start by writing social media content for influencers and brands.
Social media writers are responsible for:
- Writing tweet threads
- Crafting engaging captions
- Planning content calendars
- Creating brand messaging
You need to understand audience engagement, hashtags, trending topics, and the tone of voice fitting for each platform.
Since most small businesses in Nigeria aim to expand their social media presence, student freelancers who can craft engaging, attention-grabbing posts are in high demand.
5. Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting means writing any content published under another person’s name.
It’s common for LinkedIn articles, blog posts, ebooks, thought-leadership content, and even full-length novels or autobiographies.
Ghostwriting is excellent for students who are:
- Comfortable writing in varying tones and voices
- Excellent at adapting to client guidelines
- Not worried about public credit for their write-up.
While your name won’t appear on the published post, ghostwriting does pay more than standard freelance writing and can surprisingly lead to long-term partnerships if one delivers consistently high-quality work.
Individuals can ghostwrite for entrepreneurs, busy professionals, or social media influencers who need help maintaining consistency in their content.
Great writing opportunity for you as a student in Nigeria!
But I know what you are now worried about: Where will you find jobs? Let’s take a tour now!
How to Find Online Writing Jobs in Nigeria
Let’s explore how you can find online writing jobs in Nigeria.
1. Freelance Platforms
Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour offer global opportunities.
You can create a profile, advertise your skills, and apply for gigs. Here are even more online copywriting jobs you can explore.
2. Nigerian Job Boards and Websites
Sites like Nairaland, Jobberman, and LinkedIn often list content writing roles targeted at African-based or Nigerian writers.
3. Social Media
There are many writing communities on Twitter (X), Facebook, and WhatsApp groups where people can find opportunities and job leads.
Search for hashtags #FreelanceWriting or #WritingJobsNigeria.
4. Networking and Referrals
Let classmates, friends, and online contacts know you’re a writer. In fact, most students land their first gigs through referrals.
How Much Can Students Earn?
Earnings as a student writer in Nigeria depend on your experience, writing type, and the clients you work with.
New writers can start at ₦5,000–₦10,000 per article, while experienced writers earn from ₦50,000 upward per month working part-time.
How to Succeed as a Student Writer in Nigeria
Breaking into online writing as a student can be both overwhelming and exciting.
While there are many opportunities, it’s essential to approach the journey professionally and strategically to build an exciting reputation and grow your income with time.
Here are vital tips to help you succeed:
1. Build a Strong Portfolio
When starting, clients will likely ask for writing samples. What if you don’t have paid work yet?
Create your samples.
Write about topics you’re interested in—such as education, technology, health, lifestyle, or entertainment—and organize them either on a personal blog or Google Drive.
Here’s how to build a solid portfolio:
- Write 3–5 well-researched blog posts or articles showcasing your skills.
- Explore varying styles—one could be academic, another could be conversational, and another could be persuasive.
- Utilize platforms like WordPress or Medium to publish and share your content professionally.
A strong portfolio shows your abilities and offers potential clients the confidence to hire you.
2. Keep Learning and Improving
Writing is a skill that develops over time and with consistent effort.
The more you write and learn on the job, the better you become.
Don’t stop at the things you know—keep enhancing your craft by:
- Reading books and blogs by experienced writers.
- Taking low-cost or free online courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, YouTube, or Skillshare.
- Studying the basics of grammar, SEO, formatting styles, and copywriting techniques.
- Reading other writers’ work to learn tone, content flow, and structure.
The freelance writing world is undeniably competitive.
Nonetheless, continuous learning can set you apart and help you command higher rates.
3. Stay Professional at All Times
Professionalism is just as key as writing skills.
Many Nigerian student writers lose repeat clients or jobs simply because of unreliable behavior and poor communication.
To maintain professionalism, keep these in mind:
- Meet deadlines: Clients rely on you to deliver on time. But if you won’t be able to, inform them early.
- Respond promptly: This includes messages and emails.
- Ask questions: You might not know everything that a client wants. Thus, when you need clarity, ask questions.
- Follow guidelines carefully: Learn to be meticulous. Each client may have specific requirements for tone, formatting, or keywords. Therefore, always double-check your work before delivering.
When you are reliable and respectful, you will increase your chances of getting long-term projects and referrals.
4. Avoid Scams and Shady Clients
Sadly, not all online writing job offers you find online are legitimate.
Some scammers target beginner writers, particularly in countries like Nigeria.
(And some of the team members at The Exquisite Writers have even been victims.)
Some of these folks promise big pay and request access to your PayPal address.
You can protect yourself by:
- Not paying to get a writing job. When you meet real clients, they pay you, not vice versa.
- Be cautious of job ads. When some ads seem “too good to be true,” it is true.
- Always use freelance platforms. Explore sites like Upwork or Fiverr. Or safe payment methods like Escrow or Payoneer when working with new clients.
- Do a quick LinkedIn or Google search to verify the company or client.
Join freelance writing groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, or Telegram to get alerts on common advice or scams from experienced writers.
When Clients Aren’t Coming Your Way
But there are instances when it might be hard for a customer to hire you for writing, even if you have explored these sites.
There is still a way out, and we’ll explore ways you can do that.
1. Join Niche and Local Writing Communities
Take the pain to search for Nigerian-based freelancing and writing groups:
- Facebook groups like “Content Writers Connect” or “Freelance Writers in Nigeria” are great places.
- You will find Telegram channels for freelance projects or gigs.
- LinkedIn — It’s easy to connect with startups and small business owners who need content.
2. Don’t Joke With Sample Articles and a Portfolio
If clients are unsure what you can do, they won’t hire you.
Therefore, do these:
- Write 3–5 sample articles in varying niches (examples are lifestyle, tech, and education).
- After writing, publish them on LinkedIn, Medium, or even a free blog on WordPress.
- Use Google Docs to create a clean, shareable PDF portfolio.
3. Pitch (Message) Clients Directly
Look for Nigerian startups, NGOs, and blogs with inactive social media profiles or poor websites.
Reach out via DM or email. A simple “Hello, I noticed your website hasn’t been updated in a while. I’m a writer and would love to keep it fresh with engaging content.”
Ensure your message and offer are concise, polite, and straightforward.
4. Offer Discounted or Free Work (Strategically)
Do 1–2 small jobs for free in exchange for:
- Portfolio samples
- Testimonials
- Referrals
But don’t be exploited. Be sure to set clear boundaries and switch to paid jobs immediately.
5. Use WhatsApp Status and Social Media
Post small gigs you’ve done, writing tips, and samples of your work.
Let classmates, friends, and family know about your writing services—word-of-mouth can lead to great clients.
6. Sharpen Your Skills
The more you write, the easier it becomes to stand out:
- Try to go for free online courses (YouTube, Coursera, and HubSpot Academy).
- Explore popular blogs to study their structure and tone.
- Practice writing daily. You can do that even for short summaries and posts.
Final Thoughts
To succeed as a student writer in Nigeria needs a lot of tact!
Success in this situation stems from a combination of consistency, talent, sound decision-making, and professionalism.
With a learning mindset, a strong portfolio, and an eye for opportunity, it’s possible to build a profitable freelance writing career—even before graduation.
Therefore, explore any of these online writing jobs for students in Nigeria to gain experience, earn money, and build essential skills—all while studying.
With time, your writing will become not just a side hustle but a rewarding career path.