By Lisa Yusuf lisayusuf75@gmail.com
In Nigeria today, young people are faced with a difficult decision—pursue formal education with the hope of getting a stable job or dive into the world of street hustle to start making money immediately.
For years, education has been seen as the key to success, but with the growing unemployment rate and economic challenges, many youths are beginning to question if going to school is still worth it. On the other hand, street hustle—engaging in business, trade, tech skills, and online work—has become an attractive option.
From childhood, Nigerian parents encourage their children to go to school, graduate with good grades, and secure a well-paying job. The belief has always been that a university degree guarantees a bright future.
However, things have changed. Every year, thousands of graduates leave school with degrees but no job opportunities. Even those who find work are often paid low salaries that do not match the cost of living. This situation has left many young people frustrated, wondering if the years spent in school were wasted.
At the same time, the street hustle is growing stronger. Many young Nigerians are choosing to start businesses instead of waiting for jobs. They are making money through fashion, logistics, forex trading, social media influencing, content creation, and tech startups. Some have even become millionaires without a university degree, using digital skills and online businesses. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have helped young people turn their creativity into a source of income, making more money than some university graduates earn in a year. In places like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, many tech hubs are training young Nigerians in coding, web development, and digital marketing, proving that skills can sometimes be more valuable than degrees.
About The Author
