10 Legit Ways To Save Money As A Student In Nigeria: Most Trusted And Recommended Apps

Being a student in Nigeria comes with unique financial challenges. From tuition and textbooks to daily living expenses, it’s easy to run out of cash fast. The good news? With the rise of fintech and smart budgeting apps, it’s now easier than ever to control your finances.

In this post, you’ll find 10 legit ways to save money as a Nigerian student, along with trusted apps that make managing your money easier and more effective.

1. Use Budgeting Apps to Track Every Naira

Keeping track of your expenses is the first step to saving money. Budgeting apps help you monitor your income and spending patterns, so you can avoid waste and stick to a plan.

• Recommended App: Spendee, Mintyn, or Moniepoint

• Why it Works: Visual spending breakdown, goal setting, and alerts

2. Save Automatically with Fintech Apps

Automated savings takes the pressure off. Apps can deduct small amounts daily, weekly, or monthly and stash them away without you noticing.

• Recommended App: Cowrywise or PiggyVest

• Why it Works: High interest rates, safe auto-debits, and locked savings features

3. Buy Internet Data in Bulk with Reseller Apps

Frequent top-ups drain money fast. Reseller apps offer discounted data bundles that are much cheaper than what telecoms charge directly.

• Recommended App: Kashgain.net, Dataway, or Recharge2Cash

• Why it Works: Get up to 30% discount on data plans

4. Print Recharge Cards with Discount

If you frequently buy airtime, why not buy it at a discount? Some platforms allow you to print recharge cards at cheaper rates and even sell to friends.

• Recommended App: Kashgain.net

• Why it Works: 3% discount on all networks and extra cash if you resell

5. Cook Instead of Eating Out

Eating out daily is expensive. Cooking at home saves money — and apps make it easier with recipes and shopping discounts.

• Recommended App: Cookpad Nigeria or Jumia Food (for grocery deals)

• Why it Works: Homemade meals cost less and can last longer

6. Use Ride-Hailing Alternatives or Student Transport Apps

Instead of expensive taxis, try bike-hailing or student shuttle services.

• Recommended App: Bolt, LagRide (Lagos), or SafeBoda

• Why it Works: Cheaper, trackable, and often have student discounts

7. Leverage Campus Deals and Student Discounts

Some apps and websites offer special discounts just for students.

• Recommended App: UNiDAYS or Student Beans (international)

• Why it Works: Get discounts on software, fashion, food, and more

8. Sell Old Items and Buy Fairly Used

Instead of letting things sit unused, sell them for cash or buy what you need second-hand.

• Recommended App: Jiji.ng or Facebook Marketplace

• Why it Works: Great deals and a chance to earn

9. Use Free Study Resources Instead of Buying Books

Textbooks can be expensive. Many platforms offer free or low-cost academic materials and past questions.

• Recommended App: Pass.ng, MySchool.ng, or Kashgain.net (for CBT practice)

• Why it Works: Cuts down on textbook costs and helps you study smarter

10. Split Bills with Roommates or Classmates

Sharing data, food, or rent with others reduces your financial burden. Use expense-sharing apps to stay organized.

• Recommended App: Splitwise or SettleUp

• Why it Works: No more arguments over who owes what

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the safest savings app for students in Nigeria?

PiggyVest and Cowrywise are both regulated and offer secure savings with good interest rates.

Q: Can I make money from these apps too?

Yes, apps like Kashgain allow you to earn by reselling data or recharge cards. Jiji lets you sell unused items.

Q: What if I have little income?

Many apps allow you to save from as little as ₦100. It’s more about consistency than amount.

Conclusion

Saving money as a student in Nigeria is no longer just a dream — it's very doable with the right tools. From budgeting to earning small side income, these 10 strategies and apps are designed to help you stay financially stable.

Start today. Save smart. Spend wiser — and set yourself up for a financially secure future.