Social Media Usage as a Source of Revenue Among Undergraduate Students in Lens Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State.

study investigates the use of social media as a source of income among undergraduate
students at Lens Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State. It explores the extent of social media usage
for revenue generation, identifies the types of income-generating activities students engage
in, examines the profitability and sustainability of these ventures, and assesses the challenges
faced in the process. The study also provides practical recommendations for enhancing
students’ financial opportunities through digital platforms. Using a stratified random
sampling technique and a sample size determined by Taro Yamane’s formula, data were
collected from a representative group of students across various departments. Findings reveal
that students actively engage in digital marketing, content creation, e-commerce, and affiliate
marketing via platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. While these ventures are
generally viewed as profitable and sustainable, students face challenges such as limited
digital skills, internet accessibility issues, lack of institutional support, and exposure to scams.
A majority of respondents expressed a strong interest in structured support, including
entrepreneurship courses, mentorship, and digital infrastructure. The study concludes that
with the right institutional backing, social media can serve as a viable channel for youth
empowerment, self-employment, and financial independence among students. The study
recommends that curriculum integration of social media entrepreneurship, provision of
digital tools, and protective education against online fraud could enhance the income among
undergraduate students.