The standards of living in Nigeria is poor-piss poor. The high rate of poverty in Nigeria has reached alarming proportions. Its poverty profile is grim and embarrassing for a country endowed with large human and natural resources.
The Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics revealed in 2020 that 40% or 83 million Nigerians live in poverty. The number of poor people is estimated to increase to 90 million in 2022. So it is no surprise that the Nigerians abroad are doing all they can to avoid returning home.
The high rate of unemployment in Nigeria and comparatively poor living conditions have forced many of Nigeria’s brightest to take their chances abroad.
All over Europe, United States, Canada, and Asia are Nigerian students pursuing various degrees. After these degrees and the unsuccessful search for employment, many of these students are forced to take their second, third and even fourth degrees. These unnecessary degrees and certifications allow them to stay in the system legally and buys them time to get a permanent visa.
According to data from UNESCO in 2018, about 76,338 Nigerians were studying abroad.
This number increased to 100,000 Nigerians in 2020. Using CBN’s balance of payment statistics, Nigerians have spent a hefty sum of $28.65 billion on foreign education in the past ten years (2010 to 2020).
Like most foreigners, Nigerian students typically pay more than three times the fees paid by UK students or those from EU countries. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been easy for these over-accomplished students to secure employment. Some students complain of racial prejudice, while others say they have become over-qualified and yet have no work experience.
There is also the issue of language barrier in countries where English is not the Lingua Franca. Nigerians in these countries are expected to compete with the locals who speak the languages better.
Despite these challenges, Nigerians look for ways to forge on, as the alternative- returning to Nigeria, seems the last option.
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