20/01/2026
I never knew people got paid millions to plan and equip school laboratories… until last year.
My friend was starting a school and needed someone to set up the labs.
We searched, found a professional, explained the vision, and he said his fee was ₦2.5 million for workmanship alone.
Equipment not included. Labour not included.
We tried negotiating. No luck.
Half-joking, I said, “What’s in this thing that we cannot do ourselves?”
I laughed.
My friend didn’t. She asked:
“Sandra, if I decide to do this myself, can you guide me?”
I said yes! and she said “Then let’s do it.”😳
Long story short..
It was not easy. We almost regretted it.
But she needed money for other parts of the school, so we pushed through.
My knowledge and First degree in Education and Chemistry came in handy.
Outcome?
✔️ The labs got equipped
✔️ We saved massively
✔️ Labour cost us ₦250k
✔️ She still owes me workmanship 😂
Then something interesting happened:
Another school saw the setup, asked who did it, and my friend graciously mentioned my name.
Now I’ve got a contract coming up in a few months. My first official one in this profession.
Who would have thought?😀
I am still trying to figure out what to call this profession 😅
If you know the name for someone who sets up laboratories (and even dormitories), help me in the comments!
LESSONS FROM THIS EXPERIENCE:
📌 Exposure creates opportunities. you can’t enter rooms you don’t know exist.
📌 Pressure breeds creativity: limited resources make people innovative.
📌 You don’t need permission to start. implementation teaches more than theory.
📌 There’s money in unconventional skills. many high-paying niches are invisible.
📌 Don’t underestimate yourself. small steps can unlock unexpected doors.
There are skills around us we overlook simply because no one told us they were “skills.”
Document them. Monetize them. Repeat them.
What skill or niche shocked you when you discovered people earn from it?
And please, what do I call this new “lab setup” profession? 😅
Share in the comments!