E-Jay (29) has lived in France and C么te d鈥橧voire before settling in Ghana. From pretending to like Shatta Wale to avoid trouble to having a traditional marriage with a Ghanaian woman, he tells us about navigating life as a Nigerian in Ghana and the things he misses about home.

Where do you live at the moment, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I live in Cape Coast, the capital of Ghana’s Central Region. I’m a curious person, so I鈥檝e moved around quite a bit. My first international trip was to France for tourism in November 2024. France felt like a European capital of Africa because of the large number of Africans living there.

After that, I moved to Abidjan, C么te d鈥橧voire, where I spent about a year despite being an English speaker. I’m now based in Ghana, where I don’t need a Google Translate app to communicate.

You’re quite the traveler. So, when did you arrive in Ghana?

That was April 2025.

Was leaving Nigeria always the plan?

Yes. I’ve always wanted to explore beyond Nigeria’s borders. I sometimes identify as a cosmopolitan.

What was life like in Nigeria before you relocated?

It was okay at a point. Before I left for France, there was a massive layoff at the New York-based tech company I worked for remotely. I thought I was immune because I was the creative director, but when the layoff letters came in, all the Nigerians were laid off.

I had literally sacked people myself before, but this time, I experienced what it felt like to be in their shoes. Then I had to deal with paying half a million naira in rent for a duplex in Osogbo without any income coming in. That became my next headache, and I realised there was nothing much Nigeria has to offer the youth.

Why do you say this?

For me, Nigeria is facing serious issues as a state. I’m not saying other countries are better overall. We can see the situation facing young people in France and the high unemployment rates in C么te d鈥橧voire, Benin, Togo, Ghana and other African countries. These are countries I’ve visited, and they’re not necessarily better off.

But life in Nigeria is unnecessarily very tough. A large percentage of the population can relate to that reality.

Really, was that the reason why you decided to leave?

Yes, I could say that. I lost the job that was sustaining me and it was hard trying to figure things out.

Then I developed a friendship with a politician’s son in Ghana through my TikTok live. He was willing to help me get settled should I ever decide to relocate to Ghana. So, it naturally became easy to leave Nigeria because I had accommodation sorted out, a friend waiting to welcome me into his family, and a whole community in Ekumfi District Area. But then, I decided to try other countries. It was when they didn’t work out that I decided to move to Ghana. 

You could have just relocated to Ghana in the first place. Why didn’t you?

With what I had left, I wanted to explore Italy and try my luck there. I even worked toward a 10-year passport because the plan was to stay longer in Europe on a work permit visa. Before considering Italy, I was also close to starting a relocation process to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a budget of under 鈧�3 million. Like the Italian offer, it came with a job and accommodation.

Unfortunately, after I dropped the UAE option in favour of Italy, the person handling my documents in Italy relocated to Turkey. I was left stranded in the middle of the process, having wasted a lot of resources. Regardless, I’ve always wanted to explore beyond my home country. France worked out, but honestly, I also wanted to test the waters and see what life was like on the other side.

Then came Ghana?

Ghana was a last resort. There was nothing particularly special about it at first, except that it was close to home, relatively affordable to move to, and its currency was performing better than the naira. So I thought, why not?

So besides your friendship in Ghana, what else prompted your decision to move there at that moment?

The main reason was never about proximity. It was really about my analysis of Ghana鈥檚 economic growth and where I saw it going. The business opportunities for Africans and how much my potential success could enable me to invest back in both countries. 

How did you fund your move to Ghana?

My budget for France was just 鈧�2.6 million. I also had support from friends who helped ensure I had enough money reflected in my bank statements. The process was cumbersome and tiring. I spent just one week in France. In C么te d鈥橧voire, I secured a gig with a fashion brand strategist from Switzerland. It felt good to start earning a decent income again.

However, the system there was similar to France’s. I wasn’t used to paying rent, electricity and water bills every month. I was paying about 鈧�300,000 for a self-contained apartment every 30 days.

I could afford to relax occasionally, and my job gave me opportunities to do so. I was always around models who loved the sound of Nigerian Pidgin English and the little French I managed to speak.

On moving to Ghana, I had managed to save up to 鈧�1.3 million from my job in Ivory Coast. CFA was three times more than Naira. With accommodation sorted out, and all thanks to the ECOWAS visa-free agreement, I didn’t get to spend as much as I did for France. 

Quite a lot of movement. What was your family’s reaction when you told them you were relocating again, and this time to Ghana?

My family found out after I had already arrived. They were quite surprised but they were already used to my spontaneous travels even within Nigeria. I’ve visited all four cardinal points of my home country.

What was your first impression of Ghana when you arrived?

Accra is dope. It was the first place I stayed before moving to Cape Coast. I love the clean beaches, especially the free public ones. I also enjoy a particular beer, and I like how drinks have barcodes on their bottle caps. Those impressed me.

What surprised you most about living in Ghana?

The culture shock goes beyond how the food is prepared or how almost every woman I’ve seen makes me turn my head to admire their figure. God is great! But the biggest surprise has been how much Ghanaians actually like Nigerians.

Really? Besides the Ghana-must-go history and jollof rice competition?

At first, I was worried about how I might be treated, knowing the history behind the Ghana-must-go saga. But I discovered that Ghanaians genuinely like us. Forget the social media banter.

So which jollof rice is the best?

Hmm, I had Ghana jollof rice from two special places. My friend’s family house and a lady I grew fond of. There are levels to this jollof debate.  Ghana wins on this one.

Are you scared of what they will do to you if you pick Nigerian jollof

Ahh, not at all. I’ve tasted both and I just feel like Ghana jollof is better. 

Apart from the beautiful people and places, what was the biggest challenge you faced during your first few months?

The biggest challenge was finding a job. Ghana’s policies are designed to prioritise Ghanaians, which is understandable. Without a Ghana Card, you can’t easily secure a job.

Before I started building my tech brand, Blackbox Group, I managed to get a job through a friend at a fishing company. I could earn between 100 and 300 cedis a day, which was around 鈧�10,000 to 鈧�30,000 at the time. However, currency conversion and reality don’t always align. Eventually, I used what I could earn to bootstrap Blackbox in the blue-collar industry.

Was the difficulty in getting a job your personal experience, or is it a general thing?

It’s a national policy. It鈥檚 a common experience for most Nigerians. Nigerians go as far as looking for ways to obtain the national card illegally out of desperation. 

Do you have your Ghana Card already?

I haven’t gotten it. Getting a Ghana Card literally means you’re becoming a citizen. So there are a whole lot of processes involved. But they also offer a similar card known as the non-citizen Ghana Card. I’m in the process of getting that instead. It doesn’t come with all the benefits of having a Ghana Card, but it still gets you some things.

How easy was it to find accommodation and settle into your new environment?

I had a bit of a soft landing in Ghana through the relationship I had built with the politician鈥檚 son. So I didn’t really struggle with rent initially, and I settled quite comfortably. However, accommodation can be expensive when converted from cedis to naira, depending on the location.

How does the cost of living in Ghana compare with Nigeria?

As it stands, Cedis ranks among the top 10 strongest currencies in Africa when compared to the USD. That’s currency value in theory.

Although the cedi is stronger than the naira against the US dollar, that doesn’t necessarily mean Ghanaians have greater purchasing power. The cost of goods and services in Ghana can still be higher than what Nigerians pay for the same things at home.

Back in Nigeria, I can afford to relock my hair with a stylist for as low as, say, 鈧�5,000 in Abuja, or less somewhere like Osun. And these are even at salons where you get great services. In Ghana, it was a different experience. Even in the countryside, the lowest charge for dreads relocking begins at 100 Cedis. That’s a bit above 鈧�10, 000.

Electricity is stable, and some basic social amenities are easily available in Ghana compared to Nigeria. However, they can be quite expensive compared with what you would pay for them in Nigeria.

The advantage of earning in cedis becomes more noticeable when you work remotely and earn an income that doesn’t depend on the realities of the local economy. Otherwise, you have to deal with the cost of living there.

Nice, so do you work remotely now?

Yes, I have a few gigs , but I also have a personal project that’s running.聽

Must be nice building a strong footing in Ghana. Have you experienced any discrimination or hostility as a Nigerian in Ghana?

I wouldn鈥檛 say I have. Although you have to know how to navigate some conversations as a foreigner; otherwise, you will find yourself in trouble.

Conversations like what?

One is publicly saying you don’t like Shatta Wale or that you prefer Stonebwoy; that can get you into trouble as a Ghanaian, let alone as a Nigerian who takes pride in Nigerian music.

I’ve found myself in situations where I had to admit that I liked Shatta Wale because I could sense the possibility of violence from a mile away. As an independent artist too, I’ve also learnt to understand why Shatta Wale is so loved. Particularly among the , he makes them believe that nothing is impossible.

The Big Daily is your weekday shortcut to the biggest news shaping Nigeria. We cut through the noise, connect the dots, and explain why the news actually matters, all in one quick read.

What鈥檚 the deal with your music career?

I have been writing more. No studio sessions for now, but I do intend to hold the mic when it feels right again. I’m currently looking at acapella performances for a particular song I wrote recently. It draws me to the works of Fela and Marley.

What do you enjoy most about living in Ghana?

Ghana is such a peaceful country. You don’t see kidnapping headlines back to back. Crime is low, and the people are accommodating. I also love the clean, free public beaches. Being able to relax by the beach without having to pay for everything is something I enjoy. It gives people a chance to come together.

Are you saying Nigeria doesn’t have all of these things?

Most of the beaches in Nigeria are private. And kidnapping is looking like a big-time business. I believe it would discourage more people from travelling within the country, especially during the festive period ahead of us.

What do you miss most about Nigeria?

I occasionally travel back to Nigeria to see my family. During those visits, I realise how much you can miss a country that sometimes troubles your peace. Eating the food you grew up with is a different feeling. It reminds you of how much you’ve missed home.

Above all, I miss the freedom that comes with being in your own country. In a foreign country, I tend to act very timidly. 

Could you share one or two examples of the freedom you鈥檝e lost?

Financial freedom through international land banking and direct real estate investments. As a Nigerian citizen, I can legally own land anywhere in Nigeria with ease, unlike here. I have had the opportunity to own a piece of Ghana, but I don’t have the luxury of purchasing it outright because it takes more processes and scrutiny to acquire land or property in Ghana.

There’s also this freedom of expression that you don’t get to enjoy to the fullest. You are a foreigner so you are walking on eggshells. Law enforcement agents approach you differently. So, I tried to avoid any issue whatsoever.

Do you see yourself returning to Nigeria at some point in the future?

I鈥檓 not sure yet. I haven’t said this publicly before, but I had a traditional marriage introduction in Ghana. I wanted to marry a Fante woman, and I thought that would have given me a reason to stay here. By tradition, I’m married, but for personal reasons, the relationship eventually fell apart. I’m open to finding a new partner, but I’m not in a hurry. So whether I settle permanently in Ghana will depend on what happens next.

So you mean you’re not legally married?

Not legally married. I didn’t do that. 

How does one break up a traditional marriage in Ghana?

You return what they call the Knocking Fee.

Would you still want to have a Ghanaian partner?

Of course, if she happens to be a partner that sees and supports my vision.

What advice would you give to Nigerians considering a move to Ghana?

Be open to starting with a blue-collar job. Be willing to learn the local languages, or come with a skill that can earn you money because it has value. You can also come with the mindset of a businessperson.

If you embark on the journey purely as an adventurer, full of hope but without money, you might end up contributing to a negative narrative about Nigeria. There are so many Nigerians on the streets of different countries selling their souls to survive. Don’t be that person.

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your experience living in Ghana?

I’d give it a nine out of ten.

Niyi got an opportunity to move to the United Kingdom in September 2023, and that was the beginning of it all for him. In this edition of Abroad Life, he tells us how an unlikely sporting opportunity took him to Wales, how he’s building a career, and why returning to Nigeria isn’t an option for him right now.

Where do you live at the moment and when did you leave Nigeria?

I currently live in Wales, United Kingdom. I left Nigeria in September 2023

Why did you leave?

I got a scholarship for my master’s and also to play the sport I love.聽

After I got my university degree in English from Obafemi Awolowo University in 2019, I felt the country was not helping young graduates like me. Then, after COVID-19, it became clear that things were getting worse. Jobs were scarce, and even when you found one, the pay was often poor. I knew I would leave someday.

So leaving was always the plan?

Yes, I considered places like Luxembourg and Lithuania because I wanted somewhere I could realistically afford. Then the opportunity to play American football in the UK came along, and I ended up in Wales. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

How did American football enter the picture?

I was doing taekwondo full-time in Nigeria. I competed as a student-athlete for Obafemi Awolowo University and also participated in open competitions in Osun and Lagos states. But taekwondo wasn’t paying the bills. It was something I did out of passion, and when you’re becoming an adult, your parents naturally expect you to start working and planning for your future. So, I started looking for opportunities in another sport I love: American football.聽

Why sports and not academics?

I was good academically, but I didn’t really want the conventional office life. I wanted to do something different.

Does this run in the family?

Funny enough, my family has an athletic background. One of my uncles ran for Lagos State, and I almost represented Nigeria. But nobody in the family had really pursued sports as a career.

So how did you start your journey to play American football abroad?

It was 2023, after the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). I had plenty of time on my hands because NYSC posting was delayed. One day, I randomly came across The Express, a 2008 film about American football player Ernie Davis. I found the story interesting, and so I went on Facebook to look for American football teams in Nigeria. There were only about ten teams in the entire country at the time, and one of them was the Lagos Marines.

They were about three hours away from me, but I started travelling from Ife to Lagos for training. I was learning the game from scratch. I wasn’t a starter or one of the team’s biggest players when I joined, but I think my taekwondo background gave me an advantage. Within six months, I was starting as a key player on the offensive line, playing right tackle.

What happened after?

I got an opportunity to play college football in the United States, but it wasn’t funded. My parents couldn’t afford to sponsor me, and the American team wasn’t going to cover the costs either.

Also, I would have had to return to college rather than continue from where I was academically, and it felt like going backwards. So we let that opportunity go.

How did the UK come into the picture?

While with the Lagos Marines, some of my teammates were contacted by teams that found us on Instagram. The Lagos Marines’ page was still active then, and the South Wales Warriors eventually reached out to me too.

At first, I thought it was a scam. I was like, 鈥淗ow are you playing American football in the United Kingdom?鈥� It sounded strange, especially because scams were everywhere in Nigeria at the time. I didn’t respond.

The team then contacted my coaches, who reached out to me about it. Even after that, I wasn’t convinced. They handled much of the process by speaking to my dad because I genuinely thought the whole thing might be a scam.

It wasn’t until I started going for visa appointments and medical tests that I realised it was real.

Was it fully-funded?

Yes, and it also came with a Master’s degree program.聽

What did you study for your master’s?

I studied and graduated with a master’s degree in Management from the University of South Wales in 2024.

What was your family’s reaction when you realised you were actually going to the UK?

It was overwhelming because it was something we’d been praying for. The UK was a country we couldn’t easily afford to move to at the time.

We had been looking at less expensive destinations, and suddenly, I was going to one of the countries we’d always considered difficult to reach financially. I was also going there to play a sport I loved, with the opportunity to study. It felt like a win-win situation. It was God’s grace.

What was it like joining the South Wales Warriors as a Nigerian player?

When I joined, I was the only Black person on the team and their first international recruit. The players were welcoming, but there was that initial surprise when they saw someone who looked different from them.

I’m also a big guy, so I probably fit the stereotype people sometimes have of Nigerians as big, aggressive men. My first training session involved a one-on-one drill against someone who considered himself one of the best players on the team. I dominated that session, so I think that helped me settle in.

Is there any difference in the way the game is played in the UK compared to Nigeria?

I quickly discovered that American football in the UK was different from what we’d been playing in Nigeria.

The game here was much more strategic. In Nigeria, we played very physically. It sometimes felt like we were trying to kill ourselves on the field. We would be told to run a play, do something, and hit somebody.

Here, there was a whole intellectual side of the game I hadn’t understood. Every team had a playbook containing the plays and strategies the players were expected to learn. You couldn’t just be physically strong. You needed to understand the plan and know your role in every play.

That was why I spent much of my first season as a backup. I was learning the playbook, which was enormous. It was frustrating because I was physically capable, but I still had a lot to learn mentally.

How did your first match go?

In our first game of the season, one of the starting players on the offensive line got injured around the second half. We were losing, so the coaches had to bring me in.

They simplified some of the plays to help me learn them quickly enough to play without disrupting the game plan. I ended up winning the MVP award for that game because I made a game-saving tackle and blocked throughout without making any mistakes.

I still finished the season as a backup, but that year was significant for the team. In the previous ten years of its existence, the Welsh team had never made the playoffs. We made the playoffs in my first season.

That was an amazing feeling. By my second and third seasons, more Nigerians had joined the team, so I wasn’t the only Nigerian player anymore.

Outside football and school, what was adjusting to life in Wales like?

I was fortunate because I arrived in a house with a number of Nigerians living there. I didn’t have family in the UK, and I was relatively young, so having a community around me made a big difference.

On my first night in the country, someone I had just met in the house cooked Nigerian spaghetti and chicken for me. That was how welcoming the people around me were.

My first job in the country also came through someone in that house. People shared opportunities with me, and some even offered me jobs I didn’t eventually take.

I’ve been in boarding school since I was eight, so adapting to different environments and living with different people wasn’t particularly difficult for me.

The weather wasn’t much of an issue either. Even when the temperature dropped below zero, I would still wear shorts and a T-shirt. My friends would look at me like I was crazy.

Are there things you didn’t get used to quickly in Wales?

One thing that took some getting used to was how people smiled at strangers. In Nigeria, if someone you don’t know smiles at you on the street, you might wonder what they want. Here, people would smile or greet me simply because they were being friendly.

I also noticed people staring at me because Wales didn’t have as many Nigerians around when I first arrived. Most people weren’t being disrespectful; they were curious and sometimes asked personal questions because they wanted to know more about me.

The smoking and vaping culture was another surprise. You’d see adults smoking and young people vaping in public places. It wasn’t something I was used to seeing so openly in Nigeria. Eventually, I understood that people had different social norms, even if I wasn’t particularly comfortable with all of them.

What were your biggest challenges when you first arrived?

Finding a job was one of the biggest challenges. It wasn’t easy to find work that matched my qualifications or the kind of career I wanted.

My first job was as a stocktaker. It was a decent starting point, but I was still trying to figure out how to build a professional career beyond football. Eventually, I got another job with the Ministry of Justice, which helped me move towards the professional career I wanted.

Any difference in the educational system there?

In Nigeria, I was used to studying for examinations, memorising information and reproducing it. Here, I had to think more critically and demonstrate that I understood what I was studying.

You couldn’t simply cram everything and pour it out during an examination. You had to analyse things, make arguments and show that you understood the material. As someone who had been accustomed to memorising information, I had to work harder to adapt.

The Big Daily is your weekday shortcut to the biggest news shaping Nigeria. We cut through the noise, connect the dots, and explain why the news actually matters, all in one quick read.

What’s been the most rewarding part of living abroad?

Being able to take care of my family is a big one. At the age I was when I left Nigeria, it would have been difficult to find a legitimate job that paid enough to support both myself and my family back home.

Here, I can work, earn a living and help my family without having to do anything illegal to make money. That means a lot to me.

I also appreciate the way the system works. You can do your job and expect to receive your salary at the end of the month. You don’t have to spend your time begging an employer to pay you for work you’ve already done.

The basic things you need to live are more accessible. You can cross at a zebra crossing and expect drivers to respect it. You can leave your car parked without constantly worrying that someone will steal its parts. You don’t have to feel anxious whenever you see a police officer because you’re wondering whether you’re about to be harassed or extorted.

Healthcare is available through the National Health Service (NHS), although the NHS is under pressure and waiting times can be long. You may not always receive attention as quickly as you’d like, but there’s a system through which you can access care.

The Nigerian community I’ve met here has also been supportive. People check on one another, share opportunities and look out for one another. Even colleagues at work make an effort to ask how you’re doing.

For me, the biggest difference is that the system works, and there’s a reward for labour. You work, and you get paid. You’re able to plan your life and take care of your responsibilities.

What do you do now, apart from playing American football?

I still play American football, and I work with the NHS. I started as a receptionist, but I currently work as an executive assistant to the clinical board. So, I’ve been able to build a professional career alongside my sporting career. That’s something I’m grateful for.

Do you miss Nigeria?

Of course, I miss the food. I cook Nigerian food here, and I’m even planning to start a food business soon. There are moments when you just want to eat something that reminds you of home.

I also strangely miss Lagos traffic. There’s a particular excitement that comes with being in Lagos, and I miss some of those moments. The energy is different.

But I don’t miss Nigeria as a country in the sense that I want to return and live there now. Going home has become scarier because of how unsafe the country feels. People are being kidnapped, including people who aren’t celebrities or public figures. It feels like ordinary people can become targets.

Would your life have turned out the same or even better if you had stayed in Nigeria?

I think about it sometimes. Would I have found a job that allowed me to take care of my family? Would I still be playing American football? Would I have been able to pursue the things I wanted without constantly worrying about survival?

I can’t say exactly what would have happened, but I know that the opportunities I’ve had here have made a difference. If I had stayed in Nigeria, I might have reached a point where I felt pressured to do things I had always promised myself I would never do just to make money. I have always wanted to make an honest living, but surviving in Nigeria can put people under enormous pressure. I was this close to doing things I wouldn’t be proud of to make a living. 

I might also have stopped playing sports because Nigeria doesn’t encourage people to pursue those dreams seriously.

What’s your perception about Nigeria’s sporting system?

Nigeria doesn’t help sporting dreams. That’s how I would describe it. I had a passion for sports, but it wasn’t something I could easily turn into a sustainable career at home. I had to look elsewhere for an opportunity to keep playing and build a future.

People have talent, ambition and the willingness to work, but the environment doesn’t always give them a fair chance to succeed. I left because I wanted a better opportunity to build my life. I found that opportunity, and I don’t think you necessarily miss the things you had to escape from just because you’re living somewhere else.

Do you see yourself returning to Nigeria someday?

Not anytime soon. I can’t say I’ll never return, but given the way things are right now, I don’t see myself moving back.

Is that so?

I was already worried about the direction Nigeria was heading during the 2023 election campaign. I felt things would get worse, and I believe what has happened since then has reinforced those concerns.

What frustrates me is that so many people have the opportunity to demand better from their leaders, but the country keeps finding itself in the same situation. When people continue to support a system that isn’t working for them, it’s difficult to see how things will change.

For now, I want to keep building my career, playing football and taking care of my family. I don’t want to return to Nigeria and find myself struggling to survive again.

I miss home, but missing home isn’t enough reason to go back to a place where I don’t believe I can build the life I want.

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your experience abroad?

I’d say nine. This place has been very kind to me. 

Pelumi (30) moved to the UK in 2021 to study for a master鈥檚 degree at the University of Stirling. From adjusting to winter and learning to navigate Scotland to failing her final research module, extending her student visa and eventually graduating a year later, Pelumi says her journey has been one of perseverance, faith and learning to adapt.

Where do you live at the moment and when did you leave Nigeria?

I am currently in the United Kingdom (UK), and I left Nigeria in September 2021.

Why did you leave?

I got a scholarship for my master’s degree in Human Resource Management at the University of Stirling, Scotland.

Have you always planned to leave Nigeria?

No, not at all. I didn’t plan to travel out of the country. After I finished my Higher National Diploma (HND), I felt I couldn’t just be comfortable with having only an HND. I wanted academic advancement. At the time, I was trying to do a conversion programme in Nigeria with my HND.

It was my brother who encouraged me to try applying for a master鈥檚 in the UK. At first, I was like, 鈥淚s it really possible?鈥� He told me to give it a try because I had finished well with my HND.

I applied to so many universities and got about six rejections before the University of Stirling in Scotland gave me admission.

How did your family react when you got the admission?

They were very happy. They were really proud of me and happy that I was going for my master鈥檚. 

Did you have any doubts before leaving Nigeria?

It was a normal feeling to wonder whether I was making the right decision, but I had already prayed about it. I’m someone who takes prayer very seriously and wants to understand what God wants me to do.

Even while applying for the master鈥檚, I prayed that if it was God’s plan for me, everything should work out. When I started getting different rejections, I wasn’t even too bothered. I just thought maybe it wasn’t God’s plan for my life, or maybe it wasn’t my time.

Then, when the time came, things started aligning, and I got the admission.

On the night I was leaving, I was worried because I was only 25 and travelling to a new country alone. I had no friends or siblings going with me. But I knew that if God was taking me there, He would sort everything out for me.

Must have been nice. Was it on a scholarship or did you fund everything by yourself?

It was a scholarship, but not fully funded. I received a 20% scholarship, while my family funded the rest. I was 25 at the time, had just finished my national service, and wasn’t working; I was not married or anything, so there was no way I could have funded it myself. What makes it interesting is that I applied for my master鈥檚 with my HND.  

You said you applied using your HND. How was that possible?

It was possible. Applying for a master鈥檚 degree with an HND usually requires having a Distinction or a strong Upper Credit, a good Cumulative Grade Point Average (CPGA), and a strong personal statement. Also, you will be fine as long as you make sure you are applying for a master鈥檚 course that is relevant to the course you studied in your HND. These things can make a big difference when your application is being considered. 

You mentioned that getting your master’s was a big deal for your family. Tell me more about your educational journey.

My story is really a long journey of perseverance. My sister went to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and my brother went to the University of Abuja, while I was the only one who attended a polytechnic. I went to a polytechnic but became the first person in my family to get a master’s degree.

I didn’t initially plan to have an HND. After my National Diploma (ND), I finished with a 4.0 and was the second-best student in my department. I tried to use direct entry to study Public Administration, but I wasn’t given admission.

My mum would always tell me that God had a plan for my life and that I should trust Him. So when I couldn’t get the direct-entry admission, I returned for my HND and made sure I finished well.

I tried again during my HND and still wasn’t given admission. At that point, I decided to stop chasing it and focus on doing well with my HND.

Then I started looking at other options, including conversion programmes. Eventually, I got the opportunity to apply for a master’s in the UK.

So when I eventually graduated, it meant a lot to me because I knew everything I had gone through to get there.

It was a long journey. A very long journey. For me, it was a journey of perseverance and not giving up. Sometimes when I think about everything, I just thank God.

So, how did you feel when you landed in the UK?

I was happy that I was finally in the UK, but I won’t lie, there were many challenges. There were so many things I needed to adapt to.

Challenges? Like what?聽

The first challenge for me was dressing. I’m a Deeper Life church girl, so I didn’t wear trousers. I had never worn trousers in my life. Then I arrived in the UK during winter.

I remember one day I went out and eventually had to take a taxi back home because I was struggling with the cold. For about six months, I kept thinking, 鈥淣o, I will stay true to myself.鈥� But eventually, I had to reconsider some things.

Initially, I would wear leggings underneath my gown or skirt. That was how I managed myself for a while. But I knew I couldn’t continue like that. So, when I started wearing trousers, I convinced myself that there was nothing wrong with it. For me, it became a matter of personal conviction. I still believe people should dress modestly and not expose their bodies, but I also believe everything should be done in moderation.

The Big Daily is your weekday shortcut to the biggest news shaping Nigeria. We cut through the noise, connect the dots, and explain why the news actually matters, all in one quick read.

Did your church have a problem with the changes?

No, they have no problem with it. I still attend Deeper Life church in the UK. I’m married now and have children, but we still attend the church. I didn’t change churches because I moved to the UK.

Why do you think Deeper Life church in the UK has no problem with it?

I think the environment plays a role. The UK is different from Nigeria. I’ve talked about this a lot on Facebook, and people have had plenty to say about it. I also believe it comes down to personal conviction. For instance, you can wear leggings but not trousers, right? But what’s actually the difference between the two?

Also, if you’re a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit, and you should be able to know what is right for you.

I’ve never used attachment before, but I started using it when I got to the UK. People have different opinions about these things, but for me, it’s about personal conviction.

Apart from dressing, what other challenges did you face when you arrived?

Navigation was another major one. In Nigeria, I didn’t really use Google Maps, but in the UK I had to learn quickly.

The first time I went to work, I went to a completely different place. I was stranded and eventually had to go back home.

Food was another issue. At the time, there weren’t as many African shops as there are now. I was a student and didn’t have much money, so I couldn’t afford to keep shipping food from Nigeria. I had to start eating some Scottish food.

How different was the education system from what you were used to in Nigeria?

There were a lot of differences. One of the first things I noticed was that almost everything was done online.

In Nigeria, some assignments are submitted as hard copies, but in the UK, you submit assignments from your laptop. Tests and quizzes are also done online. Basically, everything is on the laptop.

If you’re someone who doesn’t know how to use a laptop or find your way around one, you could struggle a lot. I didn’t struggle too much, but it was still a bit challenging sometimes.

What would you say your biggest challenge as a student in the UK was then?

The biggest challenge came towards the end of my studies when I had to retake my research module. It was the toughest period of my entire life. 

Ehn ehn, what happened?

In the UK, when you fail a module, you can be asked to resubmit it again one more time. I got 40 at first, and resubmitted again, and I think I got 44. Then I received an email telling me that I had failed the module again and that my points were no longer enough for my master鈥檚 degree.

At that point, I had two options. I could retake the course the following year, or I could accept a postgraduate certificate instead. So, if the points for a master’s is 170 and you got 140, they’ll advise you to collect a certificate instead if you don’t want to retake the course. 

It was a very difficult decision because it was also going to affect my visa. If I wanted to retake the course, I would need to extend my student visa and undergo the whole process all over again. 

How did that affect you personally?

It was a lot. I was already married at the time, and I was pregnant, so I was dealing with everything at once.

I remember being very discouraged. I told my brother I couldn’t do it and that I would just collect the postgraduate certificate. A lot of people had told me they couldn’t be bothered with the stress and would rather accept the certificate.

But my family encouraged me. They told me to look at how far I had come and apply for the extension so I could retake the course.

So I applied and got a six-month extension on my student visa. I had to get a new letter from the school and apply for another visa.

And you had to retake the module?

I retook it. Even when I was about to submit the work, I was praying because I knew it was my final chance. I kept telling God that if I failed again, that would be the end.

Thankfully, I got 55 and was able to graduate the following year. I didn’t graduate with my mates. I graduated the following year, so it was basically an extra year for me. It was crazy, but I survived it. It was the biggest challenge of my life. 

That must have been hard. How did you support yourself financially and emotionally during your studies?

As a student, I could work 20 hours a week, so I worked those hours. It wasn’t easy working as a student while attending classes and doing assignments.

My family paid my school fees, so I mainly had to take care of my accommodation, food, and other small expenses. That gave me some room to work and support myself.

Emotionally, my family and the community I joined in the UK were very helpful. 

What was your most memorable experience at university?

That would be my graduation day. I cried so much because I was just so happy that, after everything, I was finally able to graduate. I had gone through the extra year, retaken the module, and eventually passed.

I also had a nice experience at Stirling generally. I never experienced any racism there. The lecturers were always very nice and polite to me, so I enjoyed my stay.

Interesting. So, Stirling was nice; what happened after school?

By the time I graduated, I was already married and had just had my baby, so I wasn’t doing too much professionally. I’m now mainly focused on my family.

I have a blog; I create content, and I write online. I also work part-time because I have two kids, so I can’t work full-time at the moment.

You mentioned your husband. Did you meet him in the UK?

No, I met my husband in Nigeria. Our story is actually quite unusual. We knew each other in Nigeria, but we weren’t friends. We had mutual friends and attended the same secondary school, although I didn’t finish at that school. I left after JSS and went to Government College, so we only spent about one or two years in the same school.

We reconnected online and started a relationship. I came back to Nigeria for our wedding in March 2023. He was still in Nigeria at the time, so after the wedding, he applied for his visa and joined me in the UK two months later. A lot of people told me I was crazy and that I didn’t know what I was doing. But I thank God I’m not crazy.

Wow. So, how has life been for you as a Nigerian family in Scotland?

Life is good. You just have to adjust. Since I’m living in Scotland and don’t have plans to relocate back anytime soon, I have to adjust to the way things are done here. You have to follow the rules and regulations and do things the right way.

Raising children here also means understanding what is acceptable and what isn’t. There are things that people might consider normal in Nigeria that are taken very seriously here. For me, the key is setting your priorities right, surrounding yourself with people who genuinely encourage you, and having a good community.

My church in Glasgow has helped me a lot. Even when I was having issues at school, they encouraged me and supported me. Having the right community is very important. And for me, there is also the God factor. I don’t think you can raise a family without God. It’s a major part of my life.

What has been your biggest culture shock in the UK?

The politeness. Even when I first arrived, I noticed that people would say thank you to bus drivers. I was like, 鈥淎re they not doing their work? Are they not collecting money?鈥�

But when you’re getting down from the bus, you say thank you. Adults say it. Children say it. You just say thank you.

People are also very respectful in the way they speak to one another. Even if a lecturer is talking to you, there is a certain level of respect. Giving people respect is a big deal here.

Is there anything about the way things work in the UK that you wish Nigeria could adopt?

I would say law enforcement and the implementation of rules. In Nigeria, they can make rules, but implementing them is often the problem. Here, they investigate things properly before making decisions, and people generally follow the rules.

Even something as simple as crossing the road is different. You wait for the traffic light to turn green before crossing. People queue without needing security or police officers to tell them to line up.

Driving is another example. My friend recently told me she was taking her practical driving test for the fifth time. Some people don’t pass until their tenth attempt. It is not easy, but once you pass, you know you have to follow the rules when you drive.

Everything is just orderly. People follow the rules and regulations, and I think that is something that could help Nigeria.

You mentioned that you don’t have plans to return to Nigeria anytime soon. Does that mean you’re staying in the UK permanently?

I never said I don’t have plans to return o. I said that since I’m living here, I don’t have plans to relocate back anytime soon.

If, in the next 10 years, God tells me to go back, I’ll pack my bags and go. My life is based on what God tells me to do. Whether I’m in Canada or Nigeria, I believe God’s blessing will reach me. 

What’s one of your convictions that God is the ultimate planner?

When I was preparing to travel, I had other plans. I had already gotten admission to Cotonou in Benin to study for a BSc and had started before I got the master鈥檚 admission in the UK. So if I hadn’t gotten the UK admission, I would still have been doing great things for myself in Benin or Nigeria.

Wow, why did you choose the UK master鈥檚 instead of continuing with the BSc in Cotonou?

Getting a master’s with an HND was a big deal to me. You know how HND holders are treated in Nigeria. I had tried several times to get admission through direct entry for a BSc. I wasn’t given admission.

Even when I finished my ND with a 4.0 and was one of the best students in my department, I couldn’t get the direct-entry admission I wanted. Someone I encouraged to apply had a lower grade and got admission, but I didn’t. So I returned to the polytechnic for my HND and made sure I finished well.

I also tried direct entry again during my HND and still wasn’t given admission. Eventually, I decided to focus on finishing my HND well and looking for other opportunities.

I applied for conversion programmes in different places and even got admission somewhere in Nigeria. I had started making payments and preparing to go before I eventually got the UK admission.

What would you say to Nigerians with HNDs who feel limited by their qualifications?

Don’t limit yourself. If you finish with a good grade, whether distinction or upper credit, build yourself. Attend conferences, go to meetings, network, and look for opportunities.

There are many opportunities out there. Even if you don’t want to get a BSc or postgraduate degree, you can still do great things with an HND.

I know people who have done amazing things with their HNDs. One woman I know studied at a polytechnic in Lagos and later travelled abroad. She recently got her BSc. in Cyprus, but even before that, she had already achieved a lot.

So I encourage people not to limit themselves. 

Do you still keep in touch with your friends in Nigeria?

Yes, but only a few of them. A lot of my friends are now in the UK too. I’m also a very busy woman. I work part-time, I have a blog, I create content, I write on Facebook, and I have two children. So I don’t have as much time as I used to, but I still have a few friends in Nigeria that I chat with.

How would you rate your experience in the UK so far?

I’d say eight out of ten. The UK has generally been nice to my family and me. As I said, I have a good community here; people are generally nice, and things work better here. 

Raimot (30) had always wanted to study abroad. So, when the opportunity presented itself, she jumped at it and said goodbye to Nigeria. In the midst of adjusting to a new life and settling down, she experienced a mix of the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Where do you live at the moment, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I’m currently in Italy, and I left Nigeria in October 2022.

Why did you move to Italy?

I relocated because I got a scholarship to study. 

Was that your plan all along?

Yes, when I was at university in Nigeria, I knew if I was going to get a master’s degree, it wouldn’t be in Nigeria. I had been trying to study abroad since around 2017 or 2018. Initially, Italy wasn’t even part of the plan. It was all about the US. One of my biggest priorities was securing full funding. I started applying to US universities around 2018, and in 2020, I finally got an adviser. For people in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) and research fields like mine, you often need an adviser who can support or fund your research.

So what happened?

Everything seemed to be going well. The professor told me I could apply by around July, but then COVID-19 happened. After that, I stopped hearing from him.

To be honest, I still don’t know what happened to him because he used to be very responsive. I even checked his website, but there was no updated information. At some point, I just thought, Maybe we lost him. So, I moved on.

Then one day, I was scrolling online and came across the . I checked the requirements and immediately noticed that they had scholarships. By then, I’d been applying for years, so I understood the process a bit better. I looked at everything and thought, It looks like I have a better chance here. Let me shoot my shot.

The application opened in November, and I submitted mine in the first week because I was already prepared. I just had to edit a few documents.

Twenty-four hours later, I got an email saying my application had passed the first evaluation stage. I was happy, but I had been through this process before, so I knew that wasn’t the main issue. The biggest thing was funding.

What happened after you passed the evaluation stage?

The scholarship list was supposed to come out in March, so we waited and waited. I remember the day the results came out. I was at work and just praying, God, I beg. The information was that successful applicants would get an email, and the list would also be published online.

So I kept refreshing my email. Then, around noon, I saw an email pop up. I was in the cold room at work, and the moment I saw the highlight, I hadn’t even opened the email yet, I screamed. That was what changed everything for me. Honestly, that was the beginning of Italy.

What was your family’s reaction to the news? 

My family knew about the process, so they were very excited that I would be leaving because it鈥檚 something I鈥檝e always wanted.

How did you fund your travel and living expenses in Italy as a student?

I was awarded the Padova International Excellence Scholarship, which funded my studies and living expenses in Italy at the time. 

Did anything impress you when you finally arrived in Italy?

To be fair, I don’t think I was impressed when I first arrived. I came during winter, and everything was strange. It was also my first international flight, so I was just taking everything in.

Really? So, when did your first big impression happen?

The first time I actually thought, 鈥淥h, wow, I think I like this place鈥�, was when I started classes. I found out that, depending on the university, you could rewrite an exam up to three times. And not just because you failed. If you got a score you weren’t comfortable with, you could choose to rewrite the exam.

So, if the grading was over 30, maybe you got 20 and wanted 28 instead. You could reject the score and try again. I’m someone who really loves excellence in everything I do, so when I heard that, I was like, Wow. This is good. It gave me the feeling that I could pursue the level of excellence I actually wanted from my degree. 

What course did you study at Padova?

I studied Marine Biology and specialised in aquaculture production and management 

The Big Daily is your weekday shortcut to the biggest news shaping Nigeria. We cut through the noise, connect the dots, and explain why the news actually matters, all in one quick read.

Outside the classroom, what was your first real struggle with life in Italy?

The language barrier. Italy isn’t an English-speaking country. Though my programme was taught in English, and my professors spoke English to us, the community itself wasn’t English-speaking.

It was very difficult and frustrating to communicate. Even with a translator, it wasn’t always easy. Sometimes, someone would literally tell you, 鈥淚’m sorry, I don’t speak English,鈥� in English. 

Why do you think this is?

It was obvious. They weren’t interested in communicating in English. It was either Italian or they wouldn’t speak with you at all. That was probably the biggest challenge I faced when I first arrived.

How did you navigate this challenge of language?

I am so poor at learning the language. I tried registering for an Italian class and using Duolingo, but most of the time, it’s the Google Translate app to the rescue.

Sounds like a culture shock. Were there any others you experienced?

Yes, one would be paying for nylon bags to pack their groceries. They also value family time. Italians have a particular lunchtime everywhere, both in corporate environments and local communities. By 1鈥�2 p.m., everywhere will be closed, including pharmacies. I’ve had that experience a couple of times when I needed to buy something. I’d forget they’d be closed and already walk for minutes, or even take a bus, before I realised it. So, I had to wait until they reopened their shops.

I actually like that culture. Some people can even be inside their shops during lunchtime, but they won’t attend to anyone. Some may go home to their families for a meal and then come back to their shops.

How did you sustain yourself after graduating?

I didn’t get a job immediately after graduating. One good thing about Italy, though, is that you get a one-year post-study period to look for a job. During that period, you can legally remain in the country while figuring things out.

Another thing is that the job doesn’t necessarily have to be in your field. As long as you get a job that gives you a contract, you can use it to apply for a work permit.

At first, I was looking for research assistant roles and other opportunities in my field, but I couldn’t find any. It was challenging.

So I had to go back to the odd jobs I used to do. I worked in a supermarket, helping with stock arranging and all. I did that for months before I eventually got my current job in my field.

What do you currently do in Italy?

I work as an aquaculture technician. The job is to care for aquatic species and ensure they grow well in their habitats. 

Would that be your advice for any Nigerian abroad struggling to get a job in their field of study?

Sometimes, you have to survive first before you find the career you actually want. You can’t always insist that it has to be your field. Bills have to be paid. You have to eat. You have to be okay.

Who or what helped you survive emotionally during that period of job scarcity?

One thing I always say is that going abroad isn’t a journey you should do alone. You need good people around you. You need people with similar interests and people you can confide in.

I have colleagues here who have become more than colleagues. We share opportunities and support each other. And back home, I have a very strong community of friends. Honestly, my friends can lay down their lives for me.

So during that period when I was trying to transition into the career I actually wanted, that’s how I survived. Financially, I took the jobs that were available. Emotionally, I had support both in Italy and back home.

Was there anything about the Italian system that made you think, 鈥淎h, Nigeria could actually emulate this鈥�?

For me, it was the willingness of professors to help students. I’m not saying every professor is perfect. I don’t expect everyone to like me, just as I don’t like everybody. But I believe that if you’re in a room of 100 people and 80 of them are willing to help you, you focus on the 80.

In my experience, most of my professors were willing and ready to help, especially if you showed up, participated in class and made an effort. You didn’t always have to know somebody or pay somebody before you could get support.

What’s one experience that gave you this impression?

One of the best examples was when I was looking for an internship. I’d planned most of my journey from the beginning, and I knew I didn’t want to do my internship in Italy. I wanted to explore another part of Europe.

I was applying through LinkedIn and other platforms, but nothing was working. It was always, 鈥淯nfortunately鈥︹��. Then one day, I decided to speak to one of my professors. I liked his course and participated actively in his classes, so I felt comfortable approaching him.

I told him I wanted to do my internship outside Italy. He started mentioning Spain and Portugal, but I said, 鈥淧rofessor, I love Europe, but maybe Germany, Canada or the Netherlands?鈥� I wanted to explore places with stronger economies. He said he’d look into it. 

What then happened?

Two or three days later, he sent me an email saying one of his colleagues had reached out because they needed an intern in Germany. He asked if I was interested.

I was like, 鈥淎h! I love Germany!鈥� He simply forwarded me the person’s email and asked me to send my CV and application. There wasn’t even a formal application process like that. They needed someone, reached out through their network and found someone through a recommendation. That’s how I got my internship in Germany.

And that taught me something important about the European job market. Sometimes, your grades and skills aren’t enough. Recommendations and relationships can open doors, too.

That’s why I always advise people not to just go to class, say hello, and go home. Build genuine relationships because those relationships can help you long after you finish studying.

When life gets overwhelming, what do you do to unwind?

I love videos and pictures. If I’m overwhelmed, I make myself happy by dressing up, visiting places, taking pictures and making videos. The memories make me happy.

Hmm, sounds nice. Italy is popular for romance. Any gist for the timeline?

No gist oo. I  got married two months before my relocation. So, there’s no space for any relationship that is strictly not business or just a casual friendship.

Nigerians abroad usually say they encounter racism. Can we say you’re an exception?

No, I’ve actually experienced racism a couple of times, actually.

Could you share one?

The first one I can’t forget happened with a bus driver. I had an exam that morning, and my school was about an hour away, so I had to leave early.

It was winter. I got to the bus station and waited for the bus. I was the only person at the bus stop at the time. When the bus came, I waved it down. But instead of stopping, the driver just drove past me.

I cried that day. And it wasn’t because I was going to miss an exam. It was because the driver didn’t see me as important enough to drive me. Another bus came about 30 minutes later, and I got on it. Thankfully, I’m a 鈥渨hat if 鈥� person, and that’s why I left my house very early. Otherwise, I’d have missed that exam.

How did that make you feel?

What hurt was that I’d already been standing outside in the cold for about 45 minutes. I had my jacket and gloves on, but I was already freezing. Then the bus finally came, and the driver just left me there.

I stood there crying and asking myself, What is the meaning of this? To me, there was only one reason he did it: I was Black and the only person at the bus stop. That experience has stayed with me since. There’s another one that was as heavy as that.

That’s a lot. And you said there was another experience?

Yes. This one happened in an academic setting, and I feel like people don’t talk about this type of racism enough. There was a professor whose course was closely related to an area I was very interested in. I actively participated in her classes, and at one point I thought she could be a good supervisor for my project.

So I reached out to her by email, which is the normal process. But she wouldn’t respond. Even if she replied today, the next reply could come weeks later. I kept wondering what was happening.

Then I was talking to another international student who mentioned that they had found a supervisor. I asked who it was, and when they mentioned the same professor, I realised they had sent an email just the day before, and she had already responded positively.

I’d sent my own email weeks earlier. I thought, 鈥淥kay, maybe she didn’t see it鈥�. So I sent a follow-up to my last email, but she didn’t respond. I sent another one, still no response. I sent the third one. I didn’t get any response. That was when I stopped reaching out. But I thought she could have just said no. Meanwhile, I used to notice a certain attitude with her during classes. I was pained because she could have just responded.

Sorry about that. So, how do you navigate dealing with racist people and places that may not be too comfortable for you?

Racism is everywhere. I just focus on the good ones. There are days their actions make me question why I am there but then, some of them have been so nice and kind to me when they don鈥檛 have to.

Is there any plan to come back to Nigeria?

Yes. I’ve lived here for a while, but I’m not an abroad person. I’m a proper Yoruba. I like going out and parties. Sometimes, I feel like life is short here. If you don’t make time for fun stuff, you’ll realise you’re just working and working.

It might sound strange to people, but I might come back after weighing my long-term options. However, I have to be strategic about it.

What’s one thing you’d want any Nigerians thinking of coming to Italy to know?

Bureaucracy is very real here. Many things take a long time. And to find good jobs in Italy and progress in any career, you cannot joke with the language. You must learn Italian. Otherwise, you may not get a job at all, or you may end up with a job you can’t survive on.

How would you rate your experience in Italy on a scale of one to ten?

I’d say 7.5. Italy is treating me well to a large extent. So, I give them their flowers. 

After moving to the UK in 2023, Elijah (33) had to adjust to the cold, changing immigration rules and life as a minority. In this story, he tells us about the highs and lows of building a life in Scotland, and why he still plans to return to Nigeria.

Where do you live currently, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I live in the UK now, and I left Nigeria in January 2023.

Why did you move to the UK?

I never planned to leave, but I saw an opportunity and decided to go for it. I didn’t even know what would happen when I left. I just took the opportunity and hoped for the best.

What was the opportunity?

A chance to seek a better life. I just packed all my savings one day and decided to leave. I lived in Nasarawa State, so the insecurity, lack of jobs, and the frustration of how the country was made me decide it wasn’t worth staying. I had to find a better life abroad. 

What were you doing in Nigeria before you left?

I was into freelance writing then. I studied Electrical Engineering, but there were no jobs, and I didn’t want to be idle. So, my laptop and internet were my close companions. 

What were some of the biggest shocks when you first arrived in the UK?

The cold. I arrived in January, which is one of the peak periods of winter. I brought a jacket from Nigeria, thinking it was a proper jacket, but when I got to the airport, I realised it wasn’t jacketing. I’d never left Nigeria before, so the cold was one of the biggest shocks of my life.

Was there anything that surprised you about the UK culture when you arrived?

Not really. I had friends who had been here before me. They kept me company and gossiped with me about their experience, what to expect, how to get things done, and what not to do. So, I was eased into the culture. I also stayed indoors for a while before deciding to apply for a course at one of the schools in Scotland.

Though I had no culture shocks when I came, one thing I noticed was that people respect you regardless of your age. When you get to school, people welcome you and are willing to help you. Unlike in Nigeria, where school registration can be stressful, everything was very straightforward.

What did you study in the UK?

I studied Electrical Power Engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland.

When you first arrived, how did you sustain yourself financially and emotionally?

I came with some savings from Nigeria, and I used that money to sustain myself before I found something to do.

Emotionally, it was quite easy for me because I had friends here. I stayed at a friend’s house when I arrived, so I didn’t have to deal with much emotional stress. It was actually fun.

How has adjusting to life in the UK been for you?

Adjusting to life in the UK is alright, but it’s not easy because of the immigration policies and visa regulations. 

As a foreigner, you can’t really predict your future here. Sometimes, you can’t even predict what the next one or two years will look like. But I’m in a better place now because I’ve been able to figure out my journey, and everything is going well for now.

What do you currently do for work?

I am a project engineer.

How does the UK work culture differ from Nigeria’s?

There are a lot of differences. The minimum wage system here is a lot better. As a cleaner here, your minimum wage will give you a good standard of living. 

Another is the inclusivity when it comes to men and women working. You would see women driving trucks, buses, and trains. You’d see a lot of women in the engineering field here. Even the work culture is different. Companies adjust to your preferences, especially if you’re a worker with a disability or pregnant. There’s not so much of that in Nigeria.

What are the things you miss most about Nigeria?

I miss a lot of things: the food, the culture, and the weather. I also miss the feeling of freedom.

What do you mean?

Life in Nigeria is so good because you don’t feel caged. Here, you sometimes feel like you’re being watched. You’re always checking whether you’re doing the right thing, especially because you’re a minority.

Every little mistake you make can be blown out of proportion, so you always have to watch your back. In Nigeria, you’re not constantly thinking about those things. You’re free to do things the way you want because it’s your country. Here, you don’t always feel that same freedom.

Has that affected how you live in the UK and how you make decisions?

It doesn’t really affect my relationship with them. I just handle work stuff as best I can, and try not to have issues with anyone.

Have you experienced racism in the UK?

Yes, on a few occasions, especially while working in places where I interact with members of the public.

In workplaces, it’s often more subtle, but when you’re outside and interacting with people in public, it can sometimes be more direct. It’s not something that happens all the time, but if your job requires you to interact with people regularly, you may encounter it.

Can you share one experience?

I was working as a delivery worker at some point. While walking down the street to deliver the package, a stranger looked at me and started saying some racial slurs. I could do nothing and just quickly left. 

How did that experience affect you?

Personally, I knew there was nothing I could have done. I knew that wouldn’t ever happen to me in my home country, but I’m in a foreign country. Whatever you do here and however you react can be blown out of proportion. But mentally, I felt bad because I thought people should have passed the stage of racially abusing foreigners. 

How did you navigate family life after relocating?

I was married before I left. My wife joined me 11 months after I moved because I had to sort out my situation first. When she came, she became part of the experience too. 

Life is alright. It’s even better when you have a partner because you have someone to talk to after work. You can gist, do things together, and share both the pain and the good moments.

The Big Daily is your weekday shortcut to the biggest news shaping Nigeria. We cut through the noise, connect the dots, and explain why the news actually matters, all in one quick read.

What are some things you like about living in the UK that you wish Nigeria had?

The UK is a great place to be. When it comes to culture, people are very accommodating. I think the level of racism here is also lower compared to a lot of other European countries. I have been to Spain and the Netherlands. We even see news about racism. 

Security is another major thing. You can walk around almost any time of the day or drive without constantly worrying about being ambushed or kidnapped.

Affordability is also okay when you’re working. You can afford food and other things because you’re earning here.

But does earning in the UK actually mean you’re financially comfortable?

Not necessarily. It’s quite funny that you don’t automatically become rich just because you’re in the UK. The money you make here, you also spend here.

I was recently sponsored by my company, but I’d already spent money I didn’t have. I had to borrow money to pay for my visa application. For my family and me, the visa application cost between 拢12,000 and 拢13,000.

So imagine someone who has stayed in the UK for several years but doesn’t even have that amount in savings. You make money and can afford your lifestyle, but you barely have a buffer.

If you lose your job for a month or two, you might not survive because you don’t necessarily have a lot of money saved. Unlike in Nigeria, where you might pay your rent once a year, here you pay rent and bills monthly.

So, affordability is okay as long as you’re working. The problem is what happens when you lose your job.

So you are now on a Visa different from the one you came to the UK with?

Yes, it’s different.

Would you ever return to Nigeria?

Yes, 100%. Maybe after I’ve achieved what I want. One of the major things I want to get from being here is experience in my field.

I’m an electrical engineer working in the electricity sector here, which is one of the areas where Nigeria hasn’t improved. But where there’s a problem, there’s always an opportunity.

I want to have enough experience to be one of those people who can help move Nigeria’s power sector in the right direction. 

What do you do for fun outside work?

I play football weekly sometimes, and I go to parties when I’m invited.

I also travel. That’s one of the opportunities you have here that you don’t always have in Nigeria. It’s relatively cheaper to travel to other European countries. You can visit some places for less than 鈧�300,000 or 鈧�400,000 when converted.

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your experience abroad?

I’d say eight. The UK has actually been good to me, in terms of opportunities that can offer an affordable lifestyle, experience, and exposure. 

Do you want to share your Abroad Life story? Please reach out to me . For new episodes of Abroad Life, check in every Friday at 12 PM (WAT).

Bunmi (28) moved to the UK in 2023, hoping to gain experience that would take him closer to his plans for a master鈥檚 in Special Language Therapy. But the reality of life abroad came with a few surprises, including the struggle to find stable work and the need to navigate life away from family.

Where do you live currently, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I live in the UK. I moved in September 2023. 

What were you doing in Nigeria before you moved to the UK?

I was working as an account officer.

What made you decide to leave Nigeria?

I studied Linguistics and African Languages at university, and I wanted to travel abroad for my master鈥檚 in Special Language Therapy (which is still my plan). I kept applying for schools, and couldn’t get in because I didn’t have the necessary experience. So I applied to come to the UK as a care worker to obtain the necessary experience before getting into a school.

Was moving abroad always part of your plan?

Moving abroad was never my ultimate plan. Most of my friends were shocked that I travelled because I had always said I didn’t want to. But at a point, all the opportunities just came at once. Someone called my dad and advised that there are some opportunities his son could leverage. So, I just locked in, and we started applying to different schools. I didn’t get into any but got a job instead.聽

What did you think your life in the UK would look like before you arrived?

I was already calculating how much I’d be making per month, how I’d spend it, where I’d go, and all of that. Unfortunately, it wasn’t like I had thought. I was expecting the UK to be some sort of paradise. It didn’t pan out that way 

What was the first thing in the UK that made you realise you’re now abroad?

That’d be public transportation. I took the underground, and everything went according to the scheduled time. Everything was organised.聽

The Big Daily is your weekday shortcut to the biggest news shaping Nigeria. We cut through the noise, connect the dots, and explain why the news actually matters, all in one quick read.

What was your biggest culture shock?

Referring to people without the cultural respect we used back in Nigeria. Back home, we use 鈥渦ncle鈥� and 鈥渁unty鈥� for anyone way older than us. But here, everyone calls one another by name. I have colleagues in their fifties and sixties, and I’m compelled to call them by their names. 

Was there any experience that made you think, 鈥淭hey would never do this in Nigeria.

I live very close to the beach right now. Sometimes I go swimming. Although in London, they’ll probably steal your phone if you drop it anywhere. But in Bournemouth, it’s quite safe. When I started living here, I was always surprised to see how safe your belongings are in public spaces. We don’t always have that in Nigeria. Of course, it’s everywhere, not just at the same level. 

What was the hardest part of your first few months in the UK?

It was when I arrived. The company I was supposed to be working with suddenly started having issues with its clients. So, I couldn’t start work when I needed to, and I had bills to pay. I didn’t have the money to really cater for myself, and I was almost stranded because things were really difficult.

Did you have to start your career from scratch, or were you able to continue what you were doing in Nigeria?

I had to learn a few things when I got here. But I wouldn’t say I started from scratch because I had a few experiences in what I’m doing right now. I’ve volunteered, dealt with people in the care system, and actively helped people in the communities. So, not from scratch, but working in the UK gave me a new perspective on life and the care sector.

What’s the biggest difference between working in Nigeria and doing the same thing in the UK?

You’re all on your own. You either work to pay your bills, or you don’t, and you suffer. Plus,  you need to keep working. In Nigeria, there’s always family, no matter what happens. 

What’s the most expensive or financially painful part of living in the UK that nobody warned you about?

The financially painful part is having a job to pay the bills. When I first came, it was really a struggle to get a good, stable job because they鈥檇 tell you that you needed a certain number of months or years of experience before they could offer you certain kinds of jobs. If you can’t afford to pay the bills, you’ll most likely end up living on the streets. 

Do you actually have more disposable income or savings now than you did in Nigeria?

Yes. Back home, I was barely surviving on my income. It wasn’t even sufficient to rent my own space. But now, I can afford my own rent, car, and other bills. Couldn’t afford to live the life I’m living now in Nigeria on Nigeria’s income. 

Have you experienced racism, discrimination or any situation where you felt like an outsider? 

Yes, a number of times.

What happened?

Sometimes people ask me if I got to the UK by boat. But I’ve never felt like an outsider because I don’t go around looking at people with the mentality that they’ll be racist towards me. When my friends and I go out, they’d tell me that some people are staring at us, and I’d tell them I didn’t notice. I’m not bothered about it. 

How has moving to the UK affected your relationships with your family and friends back home?

Moving to the UK didn’t affect my relationship with my family and friends. I have a very small friendship circle, and we still keep in touch. 

What about your dating or relationship life?

I had a partner before coming here, and we are still together. She’s the love of my life.

What’s one thing about Nigeria you didn’t think you’d miss until you left?

I’d have said the food, but I can still find it here. Maybe the way we treat big people. In Nigeria, if you carry yourself well, people will start hailing you for money. But here, everyone is equal and just going about their business. 

What’s something about life in Nigeria that you now appreciate more because you’ve lived abroad?

The hard work. My dad really raised me to be hardworking, and that has helped me here. There’s no place where I’ve worked that doesn’t always want me to come back. So, Nigeria did well in that part.

Have you ever seriously thought, 鈥淢aybe I should just go back to Nigeria鈥�? 

Yes, sometimes.  

When I couldn’t secure the job that brought me to the UK, I couldn’t find another job quickly. I had to move around a lot looking for jobs, and I felt so alone. I thought no matter how bad it is in Nigeria, I always had my family. And sometimes, there’s that feeling of loneliness that comes with leaving your home far away, and you and your family are just left with your struggles.

Will you go back to Nigeria one day?

Yes. I have a plan for the Nigerian community. That’s the ultimate goal. I’m still working and trying to sort out a few things. When I’m done, I’d like to relocate back to my own country, build a life, and implement what I’ve learnt for the benefit of Nigerians.

On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you in the UK?

I’d say a solid eight. 

Do you want to share your Abroad Life story? Please reach out to me . For new episodes of Abroad Life, check in every Friday at 12 PM (WAT).

Click here to see what other people are saying about this article on Instagram 

Even though Dickson (27) grew up in Germany, he had been trying to leave because nothing about the country felt like home. In this story, he talks about growing up Nigerian in Germany, the crushing racism he experienced, and his move to the UK.

Where do you live currently, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I live in London, United Kingdom (UK). I am fully Nigerian, but I was born in Germany. I left in 2021 to come to the UK.

Have you visited Nigeria before?

Yes, I have. I actually just returned after my grandma鈥檚 funeral. This recent visit was my fourth time in Nigeria.

How were the visits?

They have generally been really good, but the one that has stuck out the most through the years was my first visit. I was only a child, and it was also the first time I ever travelled anywhere. It鈥檚 still fresh in my memory; It was with my mum, and we went out a couple of times to eat authentic Nigerian food.

My mum is a good cook, and I鈥檝e always eaten authentic Nigerian food. I cook as well, but eating in Nigeria was just different.

Nigeria is a lively and loud (but in a warm way) place, and my visits have generally been so nice.

That鈥檚 beautiful. Let鈥檚 talk about Germany; why did you leave?

Germany has never been nice to me. It simply wasn鈥檛 the place for me, and I knew this even as a child. I was only eight years old when I first wanted to leave, but I obviously couldn鈥檛 leave because of my mum.

I always wanted to live in the same country as my other relatives in the UK and the US. The UK was the quickest way to leave because it鈥檚 a European country and right next to Germany.

Do you mind sharing the reasons you didn鈥檛 enjoy Germany?

The racism in Germany was overwhelming. Everything was extra hard because I looked different. They don鈥檛 treat you nicely, they don鈥檛 care to listen, and they make no attempt to make life easier for you, even a little bit.

At school, they treat you like shit. I apologise for my language, but that鈥檚 how it was for me. I鈥檝e spoken about this on my TikTok multiple times, especially the school systems.

The Big Daily is your weekday shortcut to the biggest news shaping Nigeria. We cut through the noise, connect the dots, and explain why the news actually matters, all in one quick read.

What鈥檚 that about?

In Germany, primary school education runs from years 1 to 4, and secondary schools are divided into categories: secondary schools for the smart, semi-smart, and then one for slower or more difficult children.

After the fourth year of primary school, teachers are required to recommend the secondary school their students should attend. I was the only black kid in my class of 30, and I was the only one my teacher recommended for the last category because she said I was dumb. 

Having no say over it, I went to the school she sent me to, but I was switched to the school for semi-smart students because my grades were far too good for the one I was in. 

That鈥檚 really bad. I鈥檓 sorry you had to experience that.

Thank you. That鈥檚 just one of the ways they make things difficult for you. My parents didn鈥檛 have it easy either. Because they couldn鈥檛 speak German, I explained all government letters to them and often went with them to government offices for the same purpose. I saw a lot of things, and let me tell you, they weren鈥檛 nice things.

That must have sucked. Were there any positive sides to your time in Germany?

That鈥檚 a good question, but I unfortunately couldn鈥檛 answer it properly even if I tried. I feel this question would be much more suited for someone who has fully lived there as an adult. I can鈥檛 tell you anything good right away because I spent my childhood, teenage years, and early adult life there. Sure, I had some fun whenever I attended festivals with my friends and cousins, but that鈥檚 pretty much it.

London is far better. There are many things to do here, and more opportunities.聽

What was the weather and food in Germany like?

I lived in western Germany, where it always rains. Apart from the one month in summer, when we had nice weather, it was always almost grey.

I can鈥檛 really say much about the food because I grew up in a fully Nigerian home and my mum always, always made Nigerian food. It鈥檚 actually most recently that she started attempting to make European dishes.

So, what do you do now in the UK?

I鈥檓 currently at the University, working two jobs. One of them is as an au pair, a live-in nanny.

What made you get into being an au pair?

I not only like working with children, but it鈥檚 more like a gift from God. It just comes naturally to me. I鈥檝e been taking care of kids since I was a kid myself. I was only ten when I had to watch my younger cousins, so it鈥檚 always been easy.

Being an au pair was also one of the easiest ways to leave Germany, so it just worked.

Nice. So, what are your plans after university?

I鈥檓 currently studying Computer Science. I would love to get into tech once I鈥檓 done.

You鈥檝e been in the UK for five years. What鈥檚 been your best experience so far?

I鈥檝e had so many great experiences, but my best moments are probably the time I travel with the children. We went to Paris two weeks ago, and it was really fun, not just because it was Paris, but because it was with the kids. Earlier, you asked me if being an au pair is fulfilling; it is. I鈥檝e wanted to do this since I was a teenager, but couldn鈥檛 because of my mum.

That鈥檚 lovely. What have been the worst moments?

There was a period when I thought I鈥檇 have to leave the UK and move back to Germany. Those were the absolute worst times I鈥檝e had here.

I was trying to get into school, and there was a lot of back-and-forth about my English proficiency. Because my parents couldn鈥檛 speak German, I grew up with English as my first language and picked up German in nursery school. So, obviously, I can speak English, but I had a hard time proving this to school authorities, seeing as my A-level certificate was in German. 

So there was a period of uncertainty over my stay in the UK, and it weighed heavily on me. Thankfully, it worked out, and I was admitted to the university.

How do you feel about the recent anti-immigrant sentiment in the UK, given the racism you experienced in Germany?

Racism is everywhere, but it matters what the system does to combat it, and that鈥檚 exactly the difference between living in the UK and Germany. If you experience racism in Germany, you鈥檙e pretty much left on your own to deal with it. In the UK, however, you can actually sue someone for being racist. It was a shock to me.

Sure, it might not always work, but just knowing that the system put something in place is reassuring. 

So, have you experienced racism at all in the UK?

I have. But it hasn鈥檛 come directly from white people; it鈥檚 mostly been from other foreigners.

Once, when I had just moved here, I went to the corner shop to buy something, and the Pakistani guy who owned it kept following me around because he saw I was black and thought I was going to steal something.

I haven鈥檛 really been around white people enough to experience racism from them; it鈥檚 just been other minorities.

罢丑别听聽is returning on August 22, 2026, in Lagos! Come learn from finance experts and industry leaders, and partake in unfiltered conversations about building wealth and diversifying your income stream in a country like Nigeria.聽Real stories, expert advice you can actually use, and a community ready to build wealth together.聽.

That鈥檚 interesting. It鈥檚 not something we always hear

I can see how that would be interesting, but I also experienced racism from minorities in Germany.

One clear example was when I wanted to move out of my mum鈥檚 house and was looking for an apartment. I was the only black person among all the people who had lined up to see a particular shared apartment. There were some Turkish guys and a bunch of white people, and then there was me.

After we had all seen the apartment and were filing out, I was stopped and told that it couldn鈥檛 work out. I was so hurt at being the only one who got that response that I asked them aloud if it was because of my skin colour. They just looked at each other.

So, would you say the UK has lived up to your expectations?

It definitely has. I鈥檓 still introverted, but I鈥檓 more outgoing than I ever was in Germany.

That sounds so nice. Were there any culture shocks that you experienced when you moved to the UK?

Not exactly. The only thing that I had to adjust to was the traffic. In Germany, it鈥檚 on the right, but here, it鈥檚 on the left.

Everything else is pretty much the same. It rains here just as much as it does in Germany, and I really haven鈥檛 experienced the British cuisine. I鈥檓 a very Nigerian guy; I enjoy Nigerian food and cook everything myself.

What鈥檚 your favourite and least favourite thing about London?

I love how multicultural London is, and I love that there鈥檚 always an option for anything you want to do. You will always find a function to go to.

My least favourite thing is the amount of planning and time that goes into moving from one end to the other.

Do you ever see yourself permanently moving to Nigeria in the future?

I love Nigeria, and I feel at ease anytime I visit. I would definitely want to move there someday, but only if the politics get better. Obviously, every country has its own version of problematic politics, but Nigeria鈥檚 is just something else. I know Nigeria has the potential to be great, and I hope it happens soon.

On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you in the UK?

It鈥檚 a solid eight out of ten. I鈥檓 not rating it an eight because something is missing; I just believe things can be better, no matter where I am. I could always have more money, more time, and less stress.

Do you want to share your Abroad Life story? Please reach out to me . For new episodes of Abroad Life, check in every Friday at 12 PM (WAT).

Click here to see what other people are saying about this article on Instagram聽

The following is a collection of stories from queer Abroad Life subjects about leaving Nigeria for countries where they can live their truth unapologetically.

鈥淚 spent 20 playing the good boy just to escape Nigeria鈥� 鈥� James*, 25, M

Growing up feminine in Nigeria meant constant bullying. I played the “good boy” role for two decades just so my dad would fund my education abroad. But right before I left for the UK in 2022, my world shattered. I was “kitoed” by homophobes who beat and blackmailed me, and the very next night, an acquaintance sexually assaulted me while I was frozen in trauma. My spirit was broken, but I forced myself onto that flight because staying meant death.

I am in Canada now, physically safe and thriving professionally. I鈥檓 currently looking for a therapist to help me unpack it all and learn how to actually live.

*James鈥� story was originally published on March 20, 2026. Read the full story here. 

鈥淚 can finally come out to my homophobic parents鈥� 鈥� Tope*, 33, F

I had a comfortable life in Nigeria, earning 鈧�35 million working in oil and gas. But I also knew I couldn’t navigate Nigeria’s toxic, secretive dating scene forever鈥攈aving to be with women who were also with men as 鈥渃over.鈥� I moved to the US in 2022 and completely started over.

Today, I am married to an incredible woman whose family has welcomed me with open arms. My super-religious parents are very homophobic and ask me about a husband whenever I call. It is heartbreaking, but the absolute safety of my marriage has given me the strength to finally come out to them next year. I am done hiding.

*Tope鈥檚 story was originally published on November 21, 2025. Read the full story here.

鈥淚 was bullied for being effeminate in Nigeria, but my partner鈥檚 family adopted me as their own鈥� 鈥� Peter*, 28, M

In Nigeria, I was constantly bullied and called female names because of my appearance and sexuality. I finally escaped to the UK in 2023, but my first year here was pure survival mode, working brutal hours at multiple jobs.

Everything shifted when I met my partner on a dating app. Moving abroad with zero family is a quick route to depression, but his family completely adopted me as their own. For the first time, I have a safe space to cry, vent, and completely heal.

*Peter鈥檚 story was originally published on March 20, 2026. Read the full story here.

鈥淗ollywood completely lied to me about how free queer people are in America鈥� 鈥� Gabriel*, 31, M

I bolted to the US in 2021 for graduate school, desperate to live openly away from my homophobic family. But the glorious, rainbow-coloured freedom we always saw in Hollywood movies turned out to be a massive lie. Landing in a conservative “Red State”, I was hit with a harsh mix of homophobia and racism.

Even worse, the American queer community turned out to be incredibly toxic and vain. Because I am an effeminate immigrant, I am either treated with open disdain or heavily fetishised on dating apps by people who treat my nationality like an item on their checklist. Life here has been painfully lonely, but I鈥檓 still looking for a loving, monogamous relationship.

*Gabriel鈥檚 story was originally published on March 20, 2026. Read the full story here.

罢丑别听聽is returning on August 22, 2026, in Lagos! Come learn from finance experts and industry leaders, and partake in unfiltered conversations about building wealth and diversifying your income stream in a country like Nigeria.聽Real stories, expert advice you can actually use, and a community ready to build wealth together.聽.

鈥淚 fled Nigeria to save my life, and my queer activism became my ticket to asylum鈥� 鈥� Saratu*, 25, F

Living in Kaduna as a masculine-presenting queer woman meant being trapped in constant fear. I had to hide from my family and society, and I saw friends get killed or go missing. In 2024, I managed to get to the UK on a student visa and then applied for asylum.

Thanks to the evidence of my underground activism in Nigeria, my refugee status was granted. Life feels so much lighter now. The absolute best thing about the UK is the complete freedom. I can walk down the street looking as masculine as I want, and nobody stares or judges me because everyone is too busy chasing their own goals.

*Saratu鈥檚 story was originally published on March 20, 2026. Read the full story here.

鈥淚 married a gay man just to escape my deeply religious family鈥� 鈥� Fathia*, 31, F

Where I鈥檓 from in northern Nigeria, you aren鈥檛 allowed to move out of your parents鈥� house until you get married. For over 20 years, my life was an exhausting acting gig because I was agnostic and queer, living with an extremely religious Muslim family. When the pressure to marry became unbearable, I entered a lavender marriage with a gay Nigerian man living in Canada.

We agreed to get married to satisfy our families while living completely separate lives. Our parents happily swallowed the bait, and I landed in Canada in 2023. Settling in brought deep isolation and a rough job market, but I’ve made great friends, and I’m dating someone now. I finally get to experience the independent adulthood that most northern Nigerian girls are completely denied.

*Fathia鈥檚 story was originally published on March 20, 2026. Read the full story here.

Do you want to share your Abroad Life story? Please reach out to me . For new episodes of Abroad Life, check in every Friday at 12 PM (WAT).

When Peter (24) left for South Africa to study music production, everyone warned him to 鈥渂e safe鈥� due to xenophobic attacks. In this story, he talks about his time and experiences in Johannesburg and how South Africans have turned out to be far more welcoming than he ever expected.

Where do you live currently, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I live in Johannesburg, South Africa, and I left Nigeria in early 2025.

What made you move?

I left for creative school. By my second year of studying electrical engineering at university, I had mentally checked out and only saw it through because my parents were paying for it. What I really wanted to do was music production and sound engineering, so I told my parents I wouldn鈥檛 be doing a 9-5 job once I graduated.

After school, I interned with a major music producer in Nigeria for a while. When I left that, I ventured into working with media, learning about sound for media at EbonyLife Creative Academy. It was around that time that my mum suggested I pursue a formal education and actually become certified.

The initial plan was to go to the United States, but the school fees were too expensive. So I looked at other options and found an opportunity in South Africa. I applied and got admitted to study Sound Production at the here.

Why didn鈥檛 you study in Nigeria?

I didn’t see any options for exactly what I wanted in Nigeria. Most of the options I saw there were theoretical music training. But training for music and training for sound production are two different things.

Unlike the music schools in Nigeria, we don’t have traditional exams where you sit down with pen and paper. Our assignments make up our grade. For example, they can give you a set of multi-tracks and tell you to mix them for your test. It is more hands-on than just learning theory. It鈥檚 rare to see that in Nigeria.

Let’s talk about South Africa. What was it like when you first arrived?

It was so cold. You see snow on TV and think it looks nice. Trust me, it doesn’t feel nice. I arrived in the autumn, just before winter, but I was already shaking. The actual winter came around May, and that was when I really knew what cold was.

I was also anxious about experiencing Xenophobia because of the things I had heard, so when I got here, I decided not to move around too much. But when I did, I didn鈥檛 see any visible hatred.

Because people here can easily tell you鈥檙e Nigerian from your accent, so once they hear that, they ask where I鈥檓 from, and I tell them Nigeria. What follows is them asking me things like, “Oh, do you know Davido?”

There was no visible hatred. What I鈥檝e learned is that xenophobia exists here, but only in certain parts of the country, mostly in the townships, which are more rural. You don鈥檛 see it in the cities. And even in the places where it鈥檚 more common, if you have South African friends around you, you鈥檒l be fine.

Are you saying the xenophobic sentiment is not as bad as people might think?

I feel like the media has made it look bigger than it is.  immigration is an actual issue in South Africa, but it has been hijacked by xenophobic people to attack everyone. And the xenophobic ones are a small minority.

But the media picks it up and presents only one perspective, and that鈥檚 dangerous. When the news of xenophobia breaks, it makes people react blindly. I remember when I was in Nigeria, and news of xenophobic attacks literally made people raid a Shoprite near where I lived.

So you鈥檝e never been worried about being attacked in South Africa?

I haven’t had any reason to be afraid of attacks. My school is far away from the townships where it usually happens. And the South Africans I have met have been friendly when they learned I was from Nigeria. There are traits that a Nigerian has that we take for granted but are fascinating to them. For example, how entrepreneurial we are.

But others don鈥檛 find it as fascinating. Nigerians come here and maybe open a business, and in just a couple of years, they grow more than the South Africans who have been here for years. Some of them look at that and say, “Wow, these Nigerian men are so enterprising.” However, some take it negatively and say, “They should just go back to their country, what are they doing in my place?” So it is two-sided. But from my personal experience, I haven’t had to be afraid because of the xenophobic attacks.

That鈥檚 great. How about your ability to make friends and build connections; has that been affected in any way?

No, definitely not. No South African I鈥檝e met has given me reason to think they are prejudiced. I simply haven’t experienced that.

What is your support system like in South Africa?

My community is made up mainly of people I met at school or church. At school, our assignments are usually group-based practical projects. So after class, we work together on these projects, and in doing that, we learn about each other and form bonds.

The majority of my friends here are South African, and a few are Nigerian. At church, my pastor is Nigerian, but the majority of the congregation is mostly South African.

Were there any culture shocks you experienced?

The calmness. Coming from Lagos, it鈥檚 very shocking how calm and chill it is here in Johannesburg.

Another shock is that hip-hop is still a big deal here. Back home, it is mostly Afrobeats. But here, hip-hop is a massive thing among young people. Amapiano is big too, but hip-hop seems to be bigger.

Also, marriage is not seen as a big deal here, the way it is in Nigeria. Back home, parents are constantly asking when you are going to get married because they want grandchildren. The parents here don鈥檛 do that; after all, they, too, are probably not married, they just cohabit. Marriage is not seen as a sacred cultural necessity.

Another thing that shocked me here was the language barrier. They speak English, but their traditional languages are quite important to them. In Nigeria, nobody might bat an eye if you can鈥檛 speak your mother tongue, but here, that is almost like a taboo.

 Those are the three major things that shocked me when I got here. The fact that they were more welcoming than I expected was the biggest shock of all.

Have you visited Nigeria since you got to South Africa?

Yes, I usually come back in December. There is a July break for about a month, but because of flight prices, it makes more sense to come home in December. My school session doesn’t start until March, so if I am back home by late November or December, I get to stay through December, January, and February. That is three months as opposed to just one month in July.

Do you intend to return to Nigeria or build a career in South Africa?

The plan has always been to go back; it still is. Not because I don’t want to be here, but because I have many things I need to do at home. But I am trying to build relationships and contacts here.

What matters in my industry is the clients, not your physical location. Meeting artists here and building that relationship means that when they need work done, they will call me, no matter where I am.

罢丑别听聽is returning on August 22, 2026, in Lagos! Come learn from finance experts and industry leaders, and partake in unfiltered conversations about building wealth and diversifying your income stream in a country like Nigeria.聽Real stories, expert advice you can actually use, and a community ready to build wealth together.聽.

What would you say has been your worst experience in South Africa?

Easily, my first week here. As part of the visa process, you have to book your accommodation before coming here. I wanted a place close to school, but the area has very high rents. So I picked the cheapest accommodation I found. You don’t pay the actual rent until you arrive, but I paid the documentation and booking fee to hold the space. That was about 200 Rand.

When I arrived, a cab driver took me from the airport to the place. When we got there, he told me, “This does not seem like a good place.” He insisted it wasn’t safe and suggested we confirm first. He told me to leave my things in the car while we went in to check.

We went inside and found a lot of drug dealers smoking heavily, homeless people, and prostitutes. It was a terrible place. We got my key from the receptionist, and when we opened the room, we saw weed on my bed. That was the final straw. I video-called my parents and showed them. They asked me to leave immediately.

The driver took me to a hotel. He came back the next day, and we drove around the city, house hunting.

It took a couple of days, but we finally found a good place just a couple of minutes from school. I was only able to get it because the original renter had just cancelled their booking. It was more expensive than I had planned, but after that initial experience, I was just happy to have a good place.

That week was my worst experience here, but the driver was really helpful.

Was the driver South African?

Yes, he was South African.

What has been your best experience?

I can think of a couple. First, was a spicy food eating competition with some friends from school. One of us had this extremely hot sauce and started vomiting.

I know that sounds crazy as a best experience, but it was a really nice bonding moment for all of us. I am not a very expressive person when it comes to friendships, but that situation brought out an expressive side of me. It went from having fun to me becoming genuinely concerned and going into protective mode. It reminded me that these people are actually my friends whom I care about.

Some other really awesome experiences have been at school, having the opportunity to meet industry professionals. Our lecturers like to bring industry professionals to speak to us. Meeting Ndabo Zulu and being able to ask him questions about music really stuck out to me.

What is your favourite thing about South Africa?

It is really the people. They are much more welcoming than I thought. I had an expectation based on how things are portrayed.

A lot of them have actually researched Nigerian culture. I met a new acquaintance recently, and when she found out I was Nigerian, she started trying to speak Pidgin. She didn’t have our accent, but she was trying. They try to relate to you on your own terms. I’ve had South Africans ask me about the security situation back home, even the kidnapped children in Oyo. I wondered how they knew about that from all the way over here. It touched me in ways I didn’t expect.

What about your least favourite thing?

The weather. The winter season is tough. If I start shuttling between Nigeria and South Africa, I will always avoid the winter period from May to July. During that time, I鈥檒l be in Nigeria. Then, from August till about March, is when I鈥檒l prefer to be in South Africa.

On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you in South Africa?

I鈥檒l say nine.

Do you want to share your Abroad Life story? Please reach out to me . For new episodes of Abroad Life, check in every Friday at 12 PM (WAT).

Tolani* (24) is in Johannesburg on a fully-funded postgraduate scholarship. But while her academic dreams are thriving under a highly supportive education system, daily life is overshadowed by xenophobic violence. In this story, she talks about how she鈥檚 trying to make good memories in Johannesburg, and why she can鈥檛 settle in South Africa after her studies.

Where are you currently living, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I am currently living in Johannesburg, South Africa. I left Nigeria in 2026.

What made you move?

School. I came here for my postgraduate studies. I always knew I wanted to do my postgrad outside Nigeria, because I think the educational system at home is too limited.

Why South Africa?

I actually thought of the other locations, too. I was considering schools in the United Kingdom and even the United States until a certain orange man made me change my mind about that.

Then I began to consider opportunities in Asia鈥攕pecifically China and South Korea鈥攂ut at the time I was planning to apply to their schools, I received an offer from South Africa. It鈥檚 a full scholarship to the University of the Witwatersrand, one of Africa’s top universities. It鈥檚 a great opportunity, so I just dropped everything else.

What are your plans after school in South Africa? Do you plan to stay back?

No, I don’t plan to stay here. I actually haven’t thought deeply about what I鈥檒l do after my studies because I still have one and a half years to go. Maybe I will apply for a fellowship, try the Global Talent visa route and move to the UK or somewhere else. But no, I don’t plan on staying here before these xenophobic people attack me.

You moved to South Africa at a very interesting time. The xenophobic unrest is starting up again. How do you feel about what is going on around you?

Yeah, it is a very interesting time to move. At the time I got the scholarship, things were calm. But then, a month before I moved, there were xenophobic attacks all over the news. It was really scary.

Thankfully, it鈥檚 quite calm around campus. But I have been seeing things and reading about people’s experiences, and it is really ugly. I鈥檓 trying to stay mostly indoors, except when I am going to school. I don’t have any business outside until the whole unrest calms down.

I鈥檓 sorry you have to live that way. What is your support system like? Have you made any friends?

I have not really made many friends. For support, I have a couple of family friends and some friends who moved here before me, so I reach out to them. I鈥檓 also making sure to join many communities.

Whenever anyone asks me to go anywhere, I almost always say yes. I鈥檓 really trying to enjoy my stay here. And I make sure I take enough pictures, because I want my gallery to be full of memories. Luckily, I鈥檝e met some nice people who have volunteered to go out with me when I’m bored. I can just hit them up, and they are more than happy to accompany me. So yeah, it has been nice, and they have been helpful.

罢丑别听聽is returning on August 22, 2026, in Lagos! Come learn from finance experts and industry leaders, and partake in unfiltered conversations about building wealth and diversifying your income stream in a country like Nigeria.聽Real stories, expert advice you can actually use, and a community ready to build wealth together.聽.

Do you plan to visit Nigeria during your studies?

I would like to come visit, actually, but the travel costs are really high. We have winter break here from June to July. But I鈥檇 rather save the money and come home in December.

Makes sense. What is your daily routine like?

I wake up in the morning, do some home workouts, pray, and check my school emails to see if I have anything to do. I work on my assignments, watch movies, do some bulk cooking, eat, and sleep. Sometimes during the week, I also go to church. That鈥檚 basically it.

How are you finding the educational system? Is it what you expected?

Yeah, actually, it is that and more. They have a proper educational system and really good support for students. It is unlike where I am coming from, if you know what I mean. They think about the students, so a supervisor or lecturer can鈥檛 stress you unnecessarily. You have your own voice, you can dictate your pace, and they help you if you are not ready to do something at a particular moment.

You mentioned going out with some of the new people you are meeting. What kind of activities do you do for fun?

Well, it is not anything crazy. Sometimes it could just be a walk, or going to restaurants and events. We might just walk around school while they tell me random things about the country. I鈥檓 also avoiding going to certain places because of the whole xenophobia thing.

What would you say has been your best experience so far in South Africa?

It was on my first day here. I was stranded in school because I couldn鈥檛 find the way back to my apartment. So I walked up to someone and told her I was new and couldn鈥檛 find my way to where I was going. She just said, “Oh, follow me.” At that point, I had no choice but to follow her.

She led me some of the way, then gave me very accurate directions. I followed her directions and found myself right in front of my gate. It was really nice to be helped by a stranger like that. That first day was crazy, but that moment was memorable.

Do you have a favourite thing about South Africa?

No, because they are killing my people.

Right. And I think that probably answers what your least favourite thing about South Africa is too.

Yes. But one more thing is how cold it gets here. I鈥檝e been drinking a lot of black tea to cope. But once you pour out a steaming cup, it gets cold within a minute.

On a scale of one to ten, how happy would you say you are in South Africa?

I鈥檒l say an eight.

Do you want to share your Abroad Life story? Please reach out to me . For new episodes of Abroad Life, check in every Friday at 12 PM (WAT).

Click here to see what other people are saying about this article on Instagram