Everyone wants to japa, but not everyone makes it. Almost Abroad shares the near-misses and big wins of Nigerians chasing greener pastures against all odds in 2025.
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When did you first start considering the idea of relocating from Nigeria?
To be honest, I’ve always wanted to do it, but if I’m being specific, I’d say 2021. However, I started taking it more seriously in 2022; I began researching, looking into study options, and checking what countries to consider. It moved from being a random thought to a proper priority.
And how have you been trying to make the move since then?
I’ve done this mostly through the study route. I’ve never been the “just get up and go” type. I believe relocation should be intentional. I’m not about to pack up and start doing whatever is available over there. It has to align with a bigger goal. For me, the bigger goal was about getting a master’s degree abroad.
How’s that going?
Right now, I’m focused on pursuing an MBA because I’ve built solid experience in my industry, and I feel ready to move into more senior roles. The MBA is an advantage for that next step, and doing it abroad just makes more sense for the kind of exposure and network I want.
In 2022, I got some offers but didn’t feel strongly about them because they didn’t come with the funding opportunities I sought. So instead, I focused on building my experience, growing my career, and waiting for the right time. That’s how I got to where I am now — with a funded MBA offer.
Has the study route always been your preferred path?
Yes, that’s been my go-to. The only other one I’ve seriously considered is the United Kingdom’s Global Talent Visa. But again, even that would still tie back to career growth. I’m in a phase of my life where I’m all about upskilling and transitioning into leadership. So whatever route I’m choosing has to make sense career-wise.
So what’s been the major holdup? You’ve been thinking about this since 2021/2022, why hasn’t it happened yet?
The major holdup has been me. It’s always been on my mind, and every year, I take one or two steps towards it. But I never really follow through. For example, I’d apply to just two or three schools and stop there. Sometimes, I’d get admitted but not offered funding. I’d probably have had better chances if I had applied to more, maybe seven or ten schools. But I wasn’t playing the numbers game.
It wasn’t my top priority. In 2022, I’d just finished school and wasn’t sure what was next. I was still entry-level. My motivation for relocating changed when I moved into a mid-level role, and my career started taking shape. I stopped applying just for the sake of it. It became more about strategy.
Now, in 2025, I feel ready. It makes sense to leave, because it aligns with where I am in my career and where I want to go. Before, I was testing the waters— applying to schools with fee waivers, not investing much money or energy—ut this year? I’ve spent a lot more towards the move. I’m fully in it now, from school applications to offers, even down to visa processing.
The progress I’ve made this year in terms of my relocation bid is new for me. I had never gotten this far in previous years. Back then, I’d start and just drop it halfway, but now, I’m spending real money and making serious commitments.
This year, I applied to more schools, spent more, and made bolder decisions. I’ve also planned beyond just getting in; I’ve thought through life after the master’s program. I have a clear roadmap for returning to the workforce and continuing my career at a higher level.
Let’s talk about the financial aspect. What’s your experience been like funding this immigration journey in 2025?
It’s been a lot. Like, a lot. And to be honest, it’s the one part I don’t think I was fully prepared for. I’ve always known that relocating, especially for school, is expensive, even when you get a scholarship. But knowing something and experiencing it are two very different things.
First off, I realised I couldn’t save enough for it. I just couldn’t. Because while you’re preparing to japa, life isn’t on pause. You still have your everyday responsibilities. For me, as a first child, that includes financial obligations to my family and siblings. And then there’s the cost of surviving in Lagos—rent, bills, feeding—everything adds up. So while I was trying to chase this immigration dream, I was still actively taking care of everything else.
As I speak to you now, I have no savings left. Nothing. Despite this, I am thankful I haven’t had to borrow either, so I guess that’s a win. Everything I’ve spent so far has still been within my financial capacity.I recognise that’s a privilege but it’s still been incredibly draining.
Then there’s the exchange rate, which is ridiculous. Whether it’s the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, the SEVIS fee, or the school deposit, once you convert to naira, the amounts are just crazy.
I can imagine what that’s like
It’s tough. I’d say 2025 has been the most financially intense year since my relocation journey. Compared to when I first started trying in 2022, the cost of relocating has doubled. The money was still hard to find back then, but the rates weren’t this bad.
Unless you come from serious money or you’ve been saving aggressively and earning very well, I don’t think anything really prepares you for this process, especially if you’re someone like me who has been testing the waters for a few years. There’s barely been any break. It’s just been a back-to-back effort, emotionally and financially.
That sounds tough. How have you been navigating payments from Nigeria to other countries?
That part has been a whole experience on its own. I’ve mostly relied on friends living abroad to help me process payments.
There are two main ways I’ve done it. The first is through peer-to-peer exchanges. For instance, if a friend abroad wants to send money to their family in Nigeria, and I need to make a payment abroad, they just help me process the payment on their end, and I send the naira equivalent to their family here. It’s a win-win.
The second method is through fintech apps. Some of these platforms let you send naira, and they help convert and pay in foreign currency using their systems. That’s also helped, but even with those, there are limits and hiccups, especially now with all the regulations around dollar transactions in Nigeria.
It generally hasn’t been smooth at all. There are so many barriers to making international payments from Nigeria, and it’s frustrating.
What part of this immigration journey are you looking forward to the most?
Honestly? Getting my visa. That’s the part I’m most focused on right now. The amount of money Nigerians spend just to get to that stage is insane, and the worst part is that there’s no refund if you get denied.
Everyone’s journey is different. Someone with full funding will spend less than someone with partial or no funding. Some people even take loans to cover tuition deficits. It varies, but one thing is constant across the board—it’s costly.
Getting that visa would feel like a significant win. It would mean all the effort, stress, money, and sleepless nights weren’t in vain. Of course, I know the journey doesn’t end there; there are still other hurdles, but getting that visa would be a clear sign that I’m on the right path.
Are you excited about the future in general?
Yes, I am. That’s the whole point of all this. Even though it’s stressful, I’m excited because I know what I’m working towards. It’s not just vibes and inshallah. There’s a clear purpose behind it.
Do you have any plans to return to Nigeria someday?
To be honest, I’ve never been the type who wants to japa permanently. This move I’m making now is intentional; it aligns with where I am in life and what I want career-wise. I want that global exposure, but I plan to come back. I can’t say precisely when, but I do plan to return.
I believe in nation-building. Nigeria is a mess, and I think we all have a role to play in fixing it. But you can’t pour from an empty cup; you have to build yourself first before you can give back.
I’m running projects here in Nigeria and don’t plan to abandon them. So this isn’t goodbye, instead it’s“I’ll be back.”
Love that! I wish you a safe flight in advance
Thank you!
