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Nigerians are increasingly choosing to relocate abroad to study, take on new jobs, and further their careers. This trend is driven by several factors, including the desire for greater opportunities and a higher standard of living.
Weeks ago, I asked eleven young Nigerians to share their thoughts on the subject of moving abroad and shared their responses here. There are two sides to the story; many still want to leave, and some will like to stay back. For some, leaving the country isn’t about permanent relocation for greener pastures, rather they would prefer to stay back and visit countries for leisure.
Despite this, the challenges faced by many Nigerians, especially young citizens, are undeniable. From poverty and unemployment to insecurity and increased crime rates, professionals face many hurdles to cross in building a strong career and creating lasting wealth for themselves. As a result, many Nigerians see relocating to a developed country as a way to improve their prospects.
It is the same for WakaWaka Doctor, a medical professional and digital creator, who also moved abroad to get a better life for himself and his family. Now, with Urban Nomads, his travel community, he is helping others do the same.
WakaWaka Doctor is famous on social media for his firm advocacy for relocation, and his pages reel with informative videos that would spur viewers’ curiosity about the subject. I had a brief chat with him about this, and he shared his thoughts; giving insights about financing relocation, mistakes immigrants make, and more.
You are a firm advocate of relocation for career growth. What’s the story behind this?
There’s no big story really. For me, I wanted a place that would give me a better life, where my wife and I can start our family, and moving abroad gave me that opportunity. I won’t be able to tell you not to stay in Nigeria, but if you desire better living conditions and a system to help your career growth, then you might want to consider it.
What’s the easiest route to relocation?
There are many ways to move abroad, but the easiest way is through education; either B.Sc, Masters, and Ph.D. You can sponsor yourself if you can afford it, or get funding or scholarships if you put in the work to apply. But education is an easy route and a good foundation for building your career abroad
Tech has gained prominence across the world, but what career thrives the most abroad?
A lot of careers thrive, but there are high-skilled workers; doctors, engineers, conflict managers, HRs, lecturers, construction, etc. There are also middle-skilled workers like bricklayers, and plumbers, and they have opportunities in places like Canada and Australia, It’s not about the white-collar jobs. There are opportunities for everyone.
How much would it cost to relocate?
Well, in most jobs, if you get an employer that’s willing to sponsor you, that’s a good one. A lot of people get sponsorships which means you don’t need to spend anything. But if you’re going as a student, it depends on a whole lot of things. As I said, you may either sponsor yourself or get funding. But if you want me to put a figure on it, it’s between 7-8 million.
On the flip side, this massive relocation affects local founders and CEOs and further diminishes industrial growth in the country, what do you say to this?
The thing is, everyone wants a place that would provide better opportunities and live comfortably. If you get a place that pays you better, you’d want to move; you can’t hold down an employee because of relocation, so it comes down to the leadership in Nigeria. If they create an environment where people could thrive, people would stay.
Tell me about your travel community
Urban nomads travel community started about a year ago to help people move abroad; we secure jobs and help with visa applications, sponsorships, getting a visa, etc. There’s been ups and downs, positive and negative reviews. We take the positive ones and the negative ones. In this business, there’s no way to guarantee 100%, we just hope for the best.
How do you handle criticisms and negative comments on social media?
For me, it doesn’t touch me at all. I am very firm and unwavering in my commitment to helping people. If they’re good and constructive ones, I take them. If they are mere insults or If they aim to dent my integrity, Nah I won’t accept that. But criticisms are good.
What common mistakes do people make in the process of relocating?
Providing wrong documentation. Not using legal documents. Not providing bank statements to prove their funding. Applying close to travel date. Using damaged documents to apply. All of this could be ultimately ascribed to applying in a rush, which isn’t the best.
Despite the benefits that come with relocation, there’s still the challenge of profiling and prejudice, causing racism. How do you handle this?
I have experienced the same many years ago, I think you just have to be yourself and maintain integrity and reputation. There will always be prejudice against blacks, but maintain who you are, there’s no two way around it.
Bottom Line
The challenges are real but the benefits of relocating far outweigh its challenges. You should also read this: Securing visa sponsorship jobs in Canada, Australia, and the UK in 2022.