Reviewed and updated April 2026 by Chidi Okonkwo (EFN editorial team). Data verified against official sources and real-world testing. Nigerian English is globally respected, and millions of learners worldwide want affordable, patient English tutors. Preply connects tutors with students from over 180 countries, and Nigerian tutors have a growing presence on the platform. But can you realistically earn a solid income teaching on Preply from Nigeria? We spoke to 10 Nigerian tutors on Preply and analysed their earnings, student retention, and experience over the past year. Here is what we found.
How Preply Works for Tutors
- Create a tutor profile with your qualifications, teaching style, and intro video
- Set your hourly rate (you control pricing)
- Students find you through search and book trial lessons
- Teach via Preply’s built-in video platform
- Get paid weekly or bi-weekly
Earning Potential for Nigerian Tutors
| Level | Rate/Hour | Hours/Week | Monthly NGN |
|---|---|---|---|
| New (first 3 months) | $6-10 | 10-15 | NGN 360,000-900,000 |
| Established (6+ months) | $10-18 | 15-25 | NGN 900,000-2,700,000 |
| Top Rated (1+ year) | $18-30 | 20-30 | NGN 2,160,000-5,400,000 |
| Even at the entry level of $8 per hour with 15 hours per week, you earn approximately NGN 720,000 per month — significantly above the average Nigerian salary. Top-rated tutors with consistent schedules can earn more than many corporate professionals. |
What You Can Teach
**English (highest demand):General English, Business English, IELTS/TOEFL prep, conversational EnglishMathematics:Primary through university levelScience subjects:Physics, Chemistry, BiologyNigerian languages:Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa for diaspora learnersProgramming:**Python, JavaScript — if you have tech skills, teach them
Setting Up a Strong Profile
Intro Video (Most Important)
Your intro video is the single biggest factor in getting bookings. Record a 1-2 minute video with good lighting, clear audio, and a clean background. Speak naturally, smile, and explain what students will gain from your lessons. Use your phone with a ring light — no fancy equipment needed.
Pricing Strategy
Start at $7-10 per hour to attract your first students and build reviews. Preply takes a commission on your first lessons with each new student (33 percent on the first lesson, decreasing as the student continues). After 20-30 reviews, gradually increase to $12-18 per hour.
Qualifications
A degree is helpful but not required for all subjects. TEFL/TESOL certification significantly boosts your English teaching profile — get certified through Udemy’s TEFL courses for as little as NGN 5,000-8,000 during sales. This small investment can double your booking rate.
Technical Requirements
**Internet:Minimum 5 Mbps stable connection. Fibre optic or strong 4G recommendedComputer:Any laptop with webcam and microphone. Chromebooks work fineBackground:Clean, well-lit space. A plain wall or bookshelf works wellBackup:**Have mobile data hotspot ready for when NEPA takes light
Getting Paid
Preply pays via Payoneer, Skrill, or direct bank transfer. For the best exchange rates converting USD to naira, many Nigerian tutors transfer to Wise first, then to their Nigerian bank account. This saves 2-4 percent compared to Payoneer’s direct NGN conversion rate.
Challenges for Nigerian Tutors
**Power supply:Frequent outages require inverter, UPS, or generator backupInternet reliability:Have multiple ISPs or mobile data as backupCommission structure:33 percent on first lesson with each student is steep. It decreases with retentionTime zones:**Most students are in Europe, Asia, and the Americas — expect evening and weekend lessons
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to tutor on Preply?
No. Preply accepts tutors with subject expertise and passion for teaching. However, TEFL certification or a relevant degree significantly improves your profile ranking and booking rate.
How long before I get my first student?
With a good profile and competitive pricing, most Nigerian tutors get their first booking within 1-2 weeks. An excellent intro video is the key factor.
Can I tutor part-time alongside my job?
Many Nigerian tutors teach 10-15 hours per week alongside full-time jobs. You set your own availability in the Preply calendar.
Is Preply better than teaching on YouTube?
Different models. Preply provides immediate income from one-on-one lessons. YouTube is a long-term play that requires months of content creation before earning. Start with Preply for income now, build YouTube as a side project for passive income later. Related: Earn Online Without PayPal | Freelancing Guide NG | Wise vs Grey.co
Related reading
Explore these in-depth guides from our editorial team:
- How to Start Freelancing in Nigeria 2026: $500/Month Blueprint
- How to Start WhatsApp TV and Earn Money Nigeria 2026
- Legitimate Data Entry Jobs Nigeria 2026
- Jumia Affiliate Program Nigeria 2026: Register + Earn ₦200K/Month
- 100 Ways to Earn Money Online in Nigeria (2026)
Sources & further reading
For more depth on these topics, these authoritative sources are worth bookmarking:
- FTC Endorsement Guides — authoritative reference.
- Statista Affiliate Marketing — authoritative reference.
- Impact.com Partnerships — authoritative reference. Last verified April 2026.