How to Get Paid Internships in Nigeria Without Connections
How to Get Paid Internships in Nigeria Without Connections
Last Updated: September 6, 2025 (Africa/Lagos)
Chiamaka, a final-year student at UNILAG, wanted to gain experience before NYSC. She applied for internship after internship but never got a reply. She thought maybe she needed “connections” or someone to “push” her application. But the truth is, you don’t always need who-you-know. With the right CV, strategy, and preparation, many Nigerian students are securing paid internships without knowing anybody inside the company.
This post will show you exactly how.
Quick Summary
Who this helps:
- Final-year students
- Fresh graduates
- NYSC members
- Job seekers looking to gain entry-level experience
What you’ll learn:
- Skills you must develop before applying
- How to write an ATS-friendly CV & cover letter
- Where to find paid internships in Nigeria
- Step-by-step guide to apply without connections
- How to prepare for interviews and negotiate stipends
Time to implement: 1–2 hours per application
Why Paid Internships Matter in Nigeria
Internships are no longer just “volunteer jobs”. In Nigeria, companies like Access Bank, MTN, Deloitte, and Interswitch now pay interns monthly stipends (₦50,000–₦150,000 in some cases). A paid internship gives you:
- Experience: Real workplace skills for your CV.
- Networking: Meet professionals who may recommend you.
- Income: Support your transport, data, or further studies.
- Opportunity: Many companies retain high-performing interns as full staff.
Step 1: Build the Right Skills & Tools
Before applying, make sure you have basic employability and digital skills.
Essential skills:
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Communication & email etiquette
- Research and problem-solving
- Teamwork & adaptability
In-demand skills (free/low-cost resources):
- Data analysis (Google Data Analytics Certificate)
- Digital marketing (Google Digital Garage)
- Coding (FreeCodeCamp, Codecademy)
- Graphic design (Canva, Figma basics)
Tip: Use Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or YouTube to learn free.
Step 2: Write an ATS-Friendly CV & Cover Letter
Many Nigerian companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). If your CV is not optimized, it may never be seen.
Checklist for a strong internship CV:
- One page only
- Clear contact info (email, phone, LinkedIn)
- Education (include CGPA if strong)
- Relevant skills (use internship/job keywords)
- Experience (projects, volunteering, part-time work)
- Achievements (e.g., “Improved student club membership by 30%”)
Simple CV Template:
[Your Full Name]
Email | Phone | LinkedIn
EDUCATION
University of Lagos — B.Sc. Economics (2020–2024)
SKILLS
Microsoft Excel, Research, Data Analysis, Communication
EXPERIENCE
Student Intern, XYZ Foundation (June–Aug 2023)
- Assisted in organizing events with 200+ participants
- Compiled research data for youth empowerment programs
PROJECTS
Conducted survey of 500 students on digital learning habits.
Cover Letter Tip: Always customize. Mention the company’s name, role, and how your skills fit.
Step 3: Where to Find Paid Internships in Nigeria
Here are trusted platforms (avoid scam sites asking for payment):
- Jobberman (jobberman.com) – Internships & entry-level jobs
- MyJobMag (myjobmag.com) – Dedicated internship listings
- LinkedIn Jobs (linkedin.com/jobs) – Search “Internship Nigeria”
- Company websites – Banks, telecoms, FMCGs post directly
- NYSC SAED offices – Some organizations recruit through corps members
Red flag: If a “recruiter” asks for payment, it is likely fake.
Step 4: Apply Step by Step
- Search & shortlist: Pick 5–10 internships that match your skills.
- Tailor your CV: Use keywords from the job description.
- Write a focused cover letter: Show motivation, not just “I need money.”
- Submit early: Don’t wait till deadline.
- Follow up: If you have a recruiter’s email, send a polite follow-up after 1–2 weeks.
Step 5: Prepare for the Interview
Most Nigerian internship interviews are short and test your readiness.
Common Questions:
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why do you want to intern with us?
- What skills can you bring to our team?
- Describe a project or challenge you worked on.
Best Answer Framework (STAR method):
- Situation – explain the context
- Task – what needed to be done
- Action – what you did
- Result – positive outcome
Step 6: Salary & Negotiation Basics
Most paid internships in Nigeria range from ₦30,000 – ₦150,000/month depending on industry.
- Banks & consulting firms: ₦80k–₦150k
- Tech/startups: ₦50k–₦120k
- NGOs & media: ₦30k–₦70k
How to ask professionally:
- Wait until offer is given.
- Say: “Thank you for the opportunity. May I know if there is a stipend attached to support transport and data during the internship?”
Case Study: Ada’s Story
Ada, a Computer Science graduate from UNN, wanted a tech internship but had no connections. She:
- Took a free Python course on FreeCodeCamp.
- Built 2 small projects and uploaded them on GitHub.
- Applied via LinkedIn Jobs with a tailored CV.
- Got invited to interview, used STAR method to answer.
- Landed a ₦100k/month internship at a Lagos fintech.
Her story shows that preparation and persistence matter more than “who you know.”
Expert Insights
“Use a master CV, then tailor it for each role. Recruiters notice the effort.” — Mrs. Titi, HR Manager at a Lagos Bank
“Don’t underestimate LinkedIn. Many employers in Nigeria now shortlist interns directly from LinkedIn profiles.” — Chinedu, Career Coach
“Show evidence of self-learning, even if you lack experience. Recruiters love to see growth mindset.” — Ngozi, Graduate Trainee Recruiter
Free Resources & Templates
- ✅ Downloadable CV Outline
- ✅ Cover Letter Template
- ✅ Interview Prep Checklist
- ✅ LinkedIn Optimization Guide
Actionable Recap
- Build basic + in-demand skills before applying.
- Write a 1-page ATS-friendly CV.
- Search internships on LinkedIn, Jobberman, MyJobMag.
- Apply early and tailor each application.
- Prepare for interviews with STAR method.
- Ask politely about stipends.
- Stay consistent — most people get results after multiple tries.
FAQ
How much do internships pay in Nigeria?
Between ₦30,000 and ₦150,000 monthly, depending on company and industry.
How much do internships pay in Nigeria?
Between ₦30,000 and ₦150,000 monthly, depending on company and industry.
Do I need work experience to get an internship?
No, but having projects, volunteering, or online courses will make you stand out.
Are internship opportunities available outside Lagos and Abuja?
Yes, but they are fewer. Focus on big cities, remote roles, and NGO opportunities.
How can I avoid internship scams in Nigeria?
Never pay any recruiter. Apply only on official company websites or trusted job portals.
Final Call to Action
Getting a paid internship in Nigeria without connections is possible if you prepare well, apply smart, and stay consistent.
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