10 Effective Methods for Teachers in Nigeria to Boost Their Income in 2023

In this article, we will explore ten practical ways for teachers in Nigeria to augment their income by engaging in various side businesses. While teaching is undoubtedly one of the noblest professions globally, it often falls short in terms of compensation, especially in Nigeria.

The treatment of teachers by both the government and private schools in Nigeria has diminished the profession’s prestige. As someone intimately familiar with the Nigerian educational system, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by teachers. Even parents, who should trust teachers with their children’s education and character development, sometimes treat Nigerian teachers with disrespect.

I’ve seen parents resort to physical confrontation over their children’s education, and I’ve witnessed school administrators defaming teachers out of fear of displeasing affluent patrons. If you are a teacher in Nigeria, particularly in a private school, you are likely well aware of these issues.

It often feels like no one cares about you, not even your parents or your school’s owner. For instance, your school might generate ₦‎250,000 per student in tuition fees each year but only pay you ₦‎50,000 monthly, a mere 25% of the revenue generated per student.

The question arises: Who is to blame? Is it the Nigerian government’s economic instability, the self-interest of private school owners, or your dependence on this meager salary to meet your needs that keeps you in this predicament? The answer lies with you, but dwelling on it can trap you in the cycle of poverty.

I used to think this way until I realized it was futile. Instead, I sought a solution, and it paid off. While I’m not a millionaire today, I no longer rely solely on my school’s meager salary to cover my expenses and debts. As a teacher in Nigeria, I achieved this by diversifying into various side businesses, which I will share with you today—ways for teachers in Nigeria to earn extra income.

Please note that some of these money-making strategies may require initial investment, while others do not. Choose the ones that align with your preferences and budget. Additionally, bear in mind that none of these strategies are get-rich-quick schemes. You can pursue these side businesses alongside your teaching job to boost your overall income.

Let’s dive into the top 10 best ways for teachers in Nigeria to earn extra income:

1. Start Private School Lessons: Offering private tutoring sessions to students who need additional help in specific subjects can be a lucrative venture. Most schools charge between 30% and 50% commission, but your earnings, when combined with your salary, can significantly increase.
2. Provide Home Tutoring: Home tutoring offers flexibility and excellent compensation. Depending on your skills and negotiation abilities, you can earn between ₦‎30,000 and ₦‎60,000 per student each month. Diversify by teaching uncommon subjects to increase your income.
3. Engage in Online Tutoring: Thanks to advancements in education and internet accessibility in Nigeria, online tutoring is a viable option. Register on teaching platforms, and depending on the subjects you can teach, earn income in dollars or naira.
4. Launch a Blog: If you enjoy writing, starting a blog can be a rewarding side hustle. With consistent, engaging content and effective monetization strategies, you can generate income over time.
5. Create a YouTube Channel: The Nigerian YouTube market is growing, offering opportunities to share your knowledge or interests and earn revenue. It’s a platform where you can educate and entertain, potentially leading to income through ads and sponsorships.
6. Write and Publish Books (eBooks or Print): Develop a writing career by authoring books on topics of interest to Nigerians. You can market these books to students and parents, generating substantial profits.
7. Start a Bookstore Business: Leverage your teaching position to launch a bookstore catering to students’ needs. Offer discounts to schools and parents to build a customer base, and potentially expand into the largest bookseller in your city.
8. Become an Online Mentor: Spread awareness about mentoring in Nigeria by helping struggling students improve academically. Over time, parents may pay you to mentor their children.
9. Launch a Transport Business: If you own a car, consider starting a transport company. Utilize your vehicle during non-teaching hours and on holidays to transport people and goods for additional income.
10. Start a Poultry Business: The poultry industry in Nigeria can be a profitable venture. Raise and sell poultry products to supplement your income.

In conclusion, being a teacher in Nigeria may present challenges, but it should not limit your potential for financial growth. Recognize opportunities beyond the classroom and leverage your skills and resources to diversify your income streams. With determination and effort, you can achieve financial stability and security as a teacher in Nigeria. If you need further guidance on any of these business ideas, please feel free to reach out.”