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Naira Life Vol 170

Naira Life Vol 170

Also: The #NairaLife of a 20-year-old Who took a pay cut to pivot into AI Engineering

Toheeb Lanlehin
February 02, 2026

Volume 170

Good Morning, 🌞

My favourite thing about today’s dispatch? It features two students on different paths, but with similar levels of success.

First, a university student who made an early decision about what to become good at. That clarity paid off. While still in school, he built a 7-figure income source by specialising and sticking to it.

Then there’s another student in this week’s #NairaLife -- a story about momentum. A few years ago, he was sleeping in a church because he couldn’t afford accommodation. Today, he’s earning at a similar level, took a pay cut to pivot into AI engineering, and is now optimising for options and long-term security.

Looks like the kids know what they’re doing.

Let's get into it.

In this letter:

#NairaLife: This 20-Year-Old Earned ₦3m/Month in 2024. Then He Took a Pay Cut To Pivot Into AI Engineering

The student in this #NairaLife is in his final year at uni and has managed to build a sustainable career in that time. In January 2025, he left his primary source of income to pivot into another industry.

It’s still early days, but his decision is starting to pay off. His new focus? Building a ₦50m safety net.

Find out in his #NairaLife

You’re hustling to grow your money, but a new tax or ban could drop tomorrow, and suddenly your plans don’t make sense anymore. These are political decisions, and they hit our wallets every single day.

So here’s the real question: Who gets to shape our lives and what can we do about it?

That’s what we’ll be breaking down at the second edition of The Citizen Townhall. February 28, Lagos. Don’t miss it.

How I Built a 7-Figure Income Source While Still in University

At 21, Inioluwa Mobolorunduro has built a high-income career, all while still attending university.

His journey began with small freelance gigs and a smartphone, but a strategic focus on specialisation changed everything. Today, he earns seven figures monthly. Here's how he did it

We've been telling relatable stories about how Nigerians earn, save and spend their money for years, and now we'll have a dedicated platform for more honest and open conversations about money.

Our promise is simple: No fancy jargon, just the information and clarity you need to make confident financial decisions!

Follow @ZikokoMoney on Instagram

Love Currency: “We Can Afford Our Needs, but I’m Not Financially Ready for a Baby”

Jide* (30) and Tolani* (28) got married in 2024 after dating for a year. For #LoveCurrency, Jide talks about how they factor their incomes into their shared financial responsibilities, and why it means they may not have kids in the near future.

Read the full story here

Where The Money At?!

We can't say we're about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we've compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don't mention. We gatchu.