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  • The Nigerian experience is physical, emotional, and sometimes international. No one knows it better than our features on #TheAbroadLife, a series where we detail and explore Nigerian experiences while living abroad. 

    Nath (21) became too troublesome for his parents to handle so they brought him back to Nigeria as a form of punishment. In this week’s edition of Abroad Life, he shares how he struggled after the sudden relocation and defied all odds to find his way back to Brazil.

    Where do you live, and when did you move out of Nigeria?

    I live in Brazil, and I moved here from Nigeria in October 2024. Although I was born and partly raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

    So why did you come back to Nigeria?

    In 2011, my parents brought me back to Nigeria to discipline me. I was becoming too rowdy for them, so they brought me back to instil morals in me. I did my primary and secondary school education in Nigeria.

    First of all, how did your Nigerian parents end up in Brazil?

    My dad’s first business took him to Brazil. Then he returned to Nigeria, married my mom and took her to Brazil with him. That’s how we all settled there.

    What was growing up like in Brazil?

    It was much simpler than my life in Nigeria. Everybody’s free-spirited in Brazil. The food and culture were great. Food and soccer brought people together. Even looking back at those memories makes me happy. It was so peaceful; nobody was worried about anything. We were always dancing. Brazil has this party-everyday atmosphere that makes life worth living.

    So, how did you feel when you moved back to Nigeria?

    Unfortunately, the first place I set foot in after our relocation was Lagos. I was shocked by how chaotic and busy it was. From Lagos, we flew straight to the village to see my grandma, and I stayed there for about one month. I only knew Portuguese and couldn’t speak a single word of English, so I felt left out.

    I’m so sorry to hear that. Did it get any better?

    It didn’t. We left the village and settled in Lagos, where I was enrolled in school, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I hated school. I was mocked for not knowing how to speak English and for having a heavy Portuguese accent.

    I had to learn a new language (English) from scratch. Even after I started learning, it was impossible to drop my accent. It was so bad that my nanny had to learn how to speak basic Portuguese. It took me a whole year to learn how to greet in English.

    The school also threatened to kick me out if I didn’t learn how to speak English soon enough. As a young child still trying to process  Lagos’ bustling nature, I found it hard to learn quickly.

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    Did your parents attempt to teach you English while growing up in Brazil?

    No, they didn’t. The place where we grew up is full of Portuguese speakers, so there wasn’t any need to learn English. How many years did it take you to learn how to speak proper English?

    It took over two years to learn the basics, but I got better as the years passed.

    So why did you go back to Brazil?

    To chase my dreams. The first thing you should know is that ever since I watched a Brazillian movie called City of God, I wanted to go into theatre and filmmaking. But I also wanted to impress my parents so badly, so after finishing secondary school, I decided to study law because that was what they wanted. I sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam twice, and I failed both times. I decided to write it for the third time, but I failed again. It was then  I started thinking of returning to where I was born to finally chase my filmmaking dream. I was already a citizen, so I didn’t need to look for a visa or passport. I just renewed my passport, and off I went.

    I love that for you!

    Thanks! I got equipment to kickstart my filmmaking journey a few days after I arrived Brazil. I also started brushing up on my Portuguese; I never forgot how to speak it, but I needed some lessons to help me speak more fluently. Now, I’m a film school student in Brazil, and I’m living my best life.

    How did you convince your parents to allow you to go to film school?

    When I first told my parents, they thought I wasn’t serious. It took years to convince them, so I had to find ways to keep the passion alive. I started watching many movies while waiting for my big break. My sister introduced me to old Hollywood movies and inspired me to start my movie catalogue, which now has up to 3000 movies.

    3000 movies?

    Yes. I started collecting them in my SS2.

    Wow! So, at what point did they start supporting your passion? 

    After failing to pass JAMB three times, my dad told me I could do whatever I wanted. It was starting to look like I was failing the exam intentionally so I wouldn’t be forced to study law. In all honesty, I tried, but it was only to please them.

    How is life going in Brazil?

    Returning as an adult is different but the place is exactly how I pictured it as a child. There’s still the same free spirit and free socialisation devoid of race or class bias. I’m trying to immerse myself in the culture all over again.

    Are your parents sponsoring you?

    We struck a deal. My dad promised to sponsor me if I hit a certain sales quota for his business. I hit it, and he kept to his end of the deal.

    Nice. How does it feel to be chasing your dream finally?

    It’s been beautiful, but I  plan to live in Brazil for only two years and then return to Nigeria. I’m passionate about seeing Nollywood grow, so I plan to apply everything I’m learning here to the Nigerian industry. One of my dreams is to win an Oscar for the Nigerian industry.

    That’s ambitious. Have you found it easy to reconnect to your Brazilian roots?

    I’m getting there. I took a barista job for my first three months here, so it would be easier for me to connect with people. I’ve also finally visited the Jesus the Redeemer statue, which I’ve wanted to see since childhood.  When I went there, I was astonished.

    Brazillian food is another thing I’m happy to be experiencing again. I still feel close to Nigeria because there are four Nigerians in my department, and we connect regularly. I also live with my Nigerian aunty, so I actually don’t feel far from home.

    So would you recommend relocating to Brazil?

    100%. There’s peace of mind, affordable housing, quality education and free healthcare here.

    On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you with your life in Brazil?

    10 over 10. I’m so happy. Life is beautiful in Brazil!

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

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  • For many, the first step in relocating abroad involves taking an expensive English proficiency test like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

    While some argue that the test is unnecessary for Nigerians — since English is the country’s official language — the IELTS assesses more than just the ability to speak English. It evaluates comprehension, coherence, and critical thinking, which is why some Nigerians fail on their first attempt.

    To break down the realities of preparing for this test, we spoke to two Nigerians who scored Band 7.5 even with a tight schedule and minimal study time.

    Meet the Test-Takers Who Passed in One Try

    • Morayo, 25, had no choice but to pass after spending ₦285,000 on the test in January 2025. She had just five days to prepare and was determined to score at least Band 7.0. 
    • Chike, 24, worked two jobs and had only one week to study.

    Despite their busy schedules, both exceeded their expectations. Here’s how they did it.

    Book your test wisely

    Different organizations conduct the IELTS worldwide, but Morayo recommends registering through the British Council or the International Development Program (IDP) for a smoother experience.

    Morayo’s Tips for Booking the Test

    • Choose the right test type: Check the requirements of your institution or immigration process. There are two types:
      • IELTS General – For work and migration.
      • IELTS Academic – This is for studying abroad (Morayo took this).
    • Decide between paper vs. computer-based tests: Morayo chose the computer test because she was concerned about the legibility of her handwriting. Computer-based tests can also be ₦10,000 cheaper
    • Pick your test centre carefully: Search for centres near you and confirm the exact test format (computer-based or paper-based, General or Academic) before finalizing your booking.
    • Double-check your test details: One mistake in selecting the test type can mean losing another ₦285,000, so read carefully before making payment.

    Prepare for your test

    The generally recommended preparation time for IELTS is between 6-8 weeks, but Chike believes that this doesn’t apply to every student, and his result proves it. 

    Chike’s Tips for Exam Preparation

    • Use free IELTS resources: After registration, the British Council provides practice materials that replicate real test questions.
    • Focus on the three key sections: Reading, Listening, and Writing. Observe instructions, time limits, and question formats when taking the practice tests.
    • Identify weak areas: After each mock test, you can download the correct answers on the same portal. Track your mistakes and dedicate extra time to weaker sections.
    • Use YouTube for targeted learning: Chike recommends three channels.
    • Take a study leave if possible – Dedicating a few days solely to practice can make a significant difference.

    Get a high-band score in your Speaking test

    Morayo, after getting an 8.5 band score in Speaking, believes it is the easiest category to pass. 

    Morayo’s Tips For Passing The Speaking Test

    • Know the marking criteria and build confidence: You are scored based on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation, so it’s important to expand your vocabulary and build confidence ahead of time. 
    • Get familiar with the common questions asked during this test:  Your examiner would typically start the conversation by asking if you’re currently studying or working.’ For this question, Morayo recommends that you answer plainly but aim to use high-band words. For example, instead of saying, “I’m a student”, say, “At the moment, I am studying XXX at a tertiary institution in XXX”.
    • Use complex sentences: You should use complex sentences and linkers like however, although, and meanwhile. Feel free to show off your extensive vocabulary, but keep in mind that you’ll miss marks when you go off-point.
    • Show that you understand the complexities of the English language: Morayo recommends saying “My name’s XXX” rather than saying “My name is XXX” when you’re asked to introduce yourself, as this shows that you have a good command of the English language.
    • Remain calm:  The test only lasts 13 to 15 minutes, so try not to be anxious. Remember to smile and maintain eye contact. Your speaker is most likely going to be British, so avoid saying “umm”, “ahh”, or “I don’t understand” because it suggests that you’re not comfortable speaking or understanding English.  You’ll be given headphones, so listen as carefully as possible.

    Get a high-band score in your Listening test

    When Chike found out that the Listening category features different accents and multiple speakers, he got nervous. But after getting an 8.0 band score, he wondered why he doubted himself in the first place. 

    Chike’s Tips for Passing The Listening Test

    • Know the basics: This test takes 40 mins and is divided into four parts. You’ll only hear the recording once so it’s important to listen carefully. 
    • Understand the four categories in this test: The first part is a dialogue, while the second part is usually a monologue about everyday living or social situations. The third and fourth parts are dialogues and monologues on academic subject matters. 
    • Study the questions: Before the recording starts, you’ll be given time to acquaint yourself with the questions. It helps to take note of the keywords in the questions so you can easily pick them out when the audio starts. Chike says it’s important to know that the questions and answers flow naturally in the audio. If you miss the answer to one question, don’t stress; just move on to the next. 
    • Get familiar with different accents: According to Chike, you’ll most likely hear an Australian or British accent. It’s helpful to watch as many foreign videos as you can without captions to improve your chances of understanding those accents.
    • Prepare for all categories of questions in this section: Sometimes (very rarely), you’ll be asked to label diagrams. IELTS Liz has videos and articles that can help you prepare for label-related questions. Other common questions you’ll find in this category include multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and sentence completion questions. 
    • Read the instructions carefully: Paying attention to instructions is one of the easiest ways to score a high band in this category. For example, if the instruction in the question you encounter reads, ‘NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER’, your answer should be ‘Train station’, not  ‘dusty train station’. But if the instruction gives room for numbers, the answer would be “100 train stations”.

    Get a high-band score in your Reading test

    According to Chike, the reading test can be complicated and nerve-racking, but he managed to secure a band 7.0 score using the right strategy. 

    Chike’s Tips for Passing The Reading Test

    • Know the basics: The reading section is divided into three parts and lasts 60 minutes. The passages cover different topics, from everyday life to complex scientific research, diagrams, and logical arguments.
    • Learn to skim and scan: Chike recommends skimming through the passages to understand the details. After skimming, find helpful keywords in the questions and scan the passages until you spot the keyword.
    • Read to comprehend:  IELTS primarily tests your comprehension skills so these questions can be tricky. Read between the lines and find your answer carefully. 
    • Get familiar with the question types: There are different types of questions you’ll likely encounter– True/False/Not given questions, Yes/No/Not given questions, matching heading questions, multiple choice questions, sentence completion questions, short answer questions and summary completion questions. These questions can be difficult, so Chike recommends spending more time taking reading mock tests.
    • Exam day tips: Manage your time wisely and read to understand before choosing your answer. 

    Get a high-band score in your Writing test

    For Morayo, the writing test was almost as easy as the speaking test because they require similar strategies. 

    Morayo’s Tips for Passing The Reading Test

    • Know the basics: This test has two categories. The first part takes 20 minutes, while the other takes 40 minutes. Morayo suggests spending less time on Section A, where you’ll need to write a report based on given data (presented in either bar or pie charts). She also advises using words like illustrates, shows, displays, etc. Videos from IELTS Liz are very helpful for Part A.  In the other category, you’ll be asked to write an essay on an arts and culture-related topic. For this part of the test, start by paraphrasing the question you’ll be asked to base your essay on. Aim to use high-band words and linkers. 
    • Follow the general rules of writing: Start each argument paragraph with a clear idea, then use supporting ideas to strengthen your point. Make sure to state your position at the beginning and end of your essay. At the end of your essay, it helps to close with a paragraph starting with “In conclusion”.  
    • Exam day tip: Read the instructions carefully and stick to the word limit.

    Understanding band scores

    • Band 9 – Expert user
    • Band 8 – Very good user
    • Band 7 – Good user
    • Band 6 – Competent user
    • Band 5 – Modest user
    • Band 4 – Limited user
    • Band 3 – Extremely limited user
    • Band 2 – Intermittent user
    • Band 1 – Non-user
    • Band 0 – Did not attempt the test

    Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is scored individually, and the overall band score is the average of these four sections, rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole band.
    ALSO READ: HOW TO WRITE THE PERFECT STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

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  • The Nigerian experience is physical, emotional, and sometimes international. No one knows it better than our features on #TheAbroadLife, a series where we detail and explore Nigerian experiences while living abroad. 

    When Akin (55) witnessed three kidnappings in his estate, he knew he was no longer safe, and he made the life-changing decision to flee Nigeria with his family. 

    In this episode of Abroad Life, he shares how he abandoned everything to escape the country’s insecurity and found himself starting from scratch as a lower-class citizen in the UK.

    Where do you currently live, and when did you relocate from Nigeria?

    I live in the United Kingdom. I left Nigeria in September 2023.

    Is there any reason you chose to leave the country?

    I worked in Ghana for a few years before I left Nigeria permanently. My job also required me to travel across several African countries, so I  only returned to Nigeria once every three months. 

    Ghana’s architecture is so different from Nigeria’s, so I couldn’t even ignore everything that wasn’t working in Nigeria. 

    Also, every time I returned to Nigeria, one thing bothered me—Nigeria’s loose security system. But it didn’t fully hit me until I moved back to Port Harcourt in 2022, where my family lived after my contract ended in Ghana. 

    Three months after I returned, my neighbour was kidnapped. The kidnappers asked for a huge ransom, which his wife paid, but they still killed him.  

    My landlord advised me to be extremely careful because there was a chance the kidnappers would have their eyes on me next, knowing that I’m a businessman who travels frequently. After I got that information, I told my wife we needed to leave. We were living in fear. It was so bad that we couldn’t leave the house after 6 PM.

    I’m so sorry. How much did that experience change things for you?

    Oh, it was terrible; I had to buy phones for my two children, even though they were five-year-olds. I needed to ensure my family was safe, even if I wasn’t around.  There were days when I would call my wife and not hear back from her. I’d get so scared if I didn’t hear back from her or the children if I didn’t hear back from them after a few missed calls. Remember how I said the kidnappers killed that man? They also sent some of his body parts to his wife. The whole estate was traumatised. 

    But that wasn’t the end of the terror. The kidnappers kidnapped two more people in my estate. My landlord, who advised me to be careful, got shot in the face during one of those attacks. Thankfully, he didn’t die, but he lost one eye. 

    That’s terrifying! At what point did you finally decide to leave for good?  

    I didn’t immediately consider a permanent relocation outside the country. I was successful and lived a better life than the average Nigerian. It wasn’t easy to leave all that behind and move to a new country. So we thought about moving to Lagos. 

    We decided to move to the UK after a former colleague told me he moved with his family through the student route. At that point, I had two master’s degrees and one PhD, but getting my family to safety was important. I had to downplay my certifications to get admission to the UK, but the school gave me great options. My wife was allowed to work full-time while I could work for 20 hours, so it was easy to move.

    What was the relocation process like?

    Smooth enough. As I mentioned earlier, I was a successful man, so we could afford to move quickly. At that point, I had a hard choice — buy another property or relocate. We chose relocation because my children’s future came first. But the problematic part didn’t start until we relocated. 

    What happened?

    Before the move, I left $3,000 in my Nigerian account in case we needed emergency funds. The $3,000 finished just a month after we moved to the UK. The bills were unexpectedly high. You won’t believe it if I tell you how much we pay for rent here monthly. Even though I got a job in the UK a month after we got here, the bills still affected us.  By our third month, I’d started asking myself if I made the right choice. I was sponsoring my kids to school, paying my tuition and other bills simultaneously.  It got so frustrating that we wanted to move back to Nigeria until we decided to stay and push through.

    How did your wife and kids handle the frustration?

    It affected us badly. Do you know what it means for an elderly man and woman to shed tears? Thankfully, the country itself offers a certain degree of help. At some point, we couldn’t afford to buy foodstuff anymore, and we started relying on the government’s food bank. It probably wouldn’t have been frustrating if we had been poor in Nigeria, but we weren’t. We had people who encouraged us that things were going to get better. According to them, it was a normal phase most Nigerians navigated during their first three years here. 

    What does your life look like now?

    I’ve finished my third master’s degree. After I finished, we had to decide if we wanted to apply for a postgraduate visa, which would have cost us about £15,000. We couldn’t afford it, so I informed the company where I was working that I had two options: apply for a skilled worker visa or return to Nigeria. They helped me process the skilled worker visa, and we got to stay in the UK. God gave us the victory we needed badly.

    How are the kids adjusting these days?

    We’re here because of them. They love their life here, and that’s the motivation behind the decisions we’re making now. It may not have been possible to fight for their future here if my wife and I didn’t have a solid love to fall back on. 

    I’m glad things are working out now. What’s the biggest difference between your life in the UK and your life in Nigeria?

    It’s been a humbling experience so far, but food is cheap here. One crate of eggs costs £1.50, and the minimal income you earn is £11 per hour. Nigeria’s crime rate would be lower if food were cheap. It’s not exactly a system I miss. 

    What about your properties?

    To be honest, I just wanted to leave Nigeria. I had a brother whose rent was about to expire, so I asked him to move into my property. It was well-equipped and solar-powered, but I didn’t care about the money. I just wanted someone to occupy it. I was living in too much fear, and I didn’t want my family to remain there. 

    On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you in the UK?

    I can’t exactly put a number on it, but I won’t be returning to Nigeria. My kids are happy, and they don’t want to leave. Nobody should move to the UK without proper planning because the frustration that comes with it can be humbling. Even your relatives cannot help you here because the bills are everywhere. So before you make that move, consider that factor.

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

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  • Someone you know has left or is planning to leave. 1,000 Ways To Japa will speak to real people and explore the infinite number of reasons and paths they use to get to Japa.

    Aisha (23) had only one goal after she completed her NYSC – escape Nigeria’s failing system. Her search for the cheapest schools in the UK drove her transition into public health. In this edition of 1k Ways to Japa, she shares how she secured a partially-funded scholarship and moved to the UK. 

    Photo credit: Freepik

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

    I’m in Newport, Wales. I left Nigeria on January 28, 2025.

    Japa class of 2025! Why did you decide to relocate?

    I knew that I needed to leave Nigeria when I finished NYSC in 2024. Nothing works in that country. But I didn’t know I’d happen as fast as it did. 

    I relocated to get a master’s degree, and I didn’t want to go to a school or study a course that would leave my parents in debt. I got three offers from different schools—one in Wales and two in London. I chose Wales because it’s more affordable.

    Cool. What are you studying now?

    I’m studying Public Health.  My first degree was in physiology, but I wanted to transition into nursing. However, the cost of studying nursing in the UK was about £25,000, while public health was £16,000. The school offered me a £4000 scholarship and said I could pay half of my tuition and spread the outstanding payment across the duration of my programme.

    How’s the programme going?

    Pretty well. I’d have preferred to study nursing, but it wasn’t possible at the time because of how expensive it was. Public health is just as great. I can work in several health-related sectors, be a health promotion officer, or do anything else. My physiology degree couldn’t do much in Nigeria, so I’m grateful to be in a country that has more regard for health workers.

    Can you explain how you applied for this course and processed your relocation?

    I started by researching affordable schools in the UK. Then, I wrote my statement of purpose for each school, got my reference letters and applied in September 2024. I got responses from the schools in October. I didn’t need to write the IELTS test because the school didn’t require one, so things were easier. 

    I was carrying my parents along throughout the entire process. So when the offer came, we knew how much we had to pay and forward the required fees to my aunt in London.  My aunt made the payment for me, and I booked my tuberculosis test for the next day. A month later, I applied for my visa, and I  received it in two days. I didn’t realise how much things would change until my mum started reminding me of things we needed to buy and do. Then things started feeling real.

    Can you share the name of your school and give me a cost breakdown of how much it took to relocate?

    I go to the  University of South Wales. My school fee is £16,000, while my visa application was around ₦44,000. I also had to present a proof of funds document to prove I had enough money in my bank account to cover tuition and living fees.  Then, I paid my immigration health surcharge —around £1,500. Because of my scholarship, I ended up resuming at the school with a deposit of £6,000. So the whole process cost me about ₦18 million (flight ticket inclusive)

    Thank you. How’s life in the UK going?

    When I got here, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. 

    What happened?

    The cold was insane. I had heard the gist of how cold the UK is, but you can’t understand how bad it is till you get here. I started reconsidering my life choices when I stepped out of the airport.  I wore a winter jacket, hoodie and socks, yet I was freezing. In Nigeria, I was the girl who couldn’t survive without air conditioners. I got to the UK and started wishing for heat.

     But something I’m growing to love about this place is how much they mind their business. It is also surprising that the sun sets around 5:30 PM here.  Aside from those facts, the UK still feels like Nigeria. Most of my classmates are Nigerians, so I don’t necessarily feel homesick.

    Have you made new friends? 

    I don’t make friends easily, but I’ve found a few people to attend church with.

    Do you feel like you’re exactly where you should be?

    I go anywhere the money is. Nigeria has affected me in many ways, so I’d rather live in a country that allows me to make something of my life. 

    I hear that. On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you in the UK?

    It’s 7.5. I miss my family, and I wish they could join me here

     Want to to share your japa story? Please reach out to me here. 

  • Every week, Zikoko seeks to understand how people move the Naira in and out of their lives. Some stories will be struggle-ish, others will be bougie. All the time, it’ll be revealing.

    Nairalife #311 bio

    What’s your earliest memory of money?

    I didn’t have any reason to “hold” money until I was 10 years old and had just got into JSS 1. Getting into secondary school meant I had to take the bus and get snacks during lunch break. My parents gave me ₦50 — ₦10 for snacks and the rest to pay for the bus.

    Speaking of your parents, what was the financial situation growing up?

    I didn’t know much of what went on in my childhood. My parents were teachers, and I just knew I had a roof over my head and food in my stomach. 

    But I realised the true picture of our finances in my teens. We were lower middle class, and my mum handled most of the bills, including school fees, even though my father earned more. He just refused to step up to his responsibilities. 

    Although I could count on my mum, I started trying to make money from secondary school.

    How did you do that?

    In JSS 2, I made paper wallets and sold them. Almost everyone made paper wallets, but mine was different. I painted and drew on the wallets, and my classmates liked the additional details. I don’t remember how much I sold each, but I did it for a couple of months until I lost my own paper wallet with my money inside.

    I tried something else in SS2 —  I made birthday frames with glass and paper and designed them with paint. My dad was also artistic and had a big textbook about different types of crafts. I learned how to make the frames from the book and got my hands on leftover glass from my neighbours’ window louvres. I sold each for ₦100 for a term. They didn’t sell out as much as the paper wallets.

    Was ₦100 good money, though?

    I didn’t have a solid idea of money, so I sold based on vibes. In SS 3, I learnt how to sew. My mum paid a tailor, and I was an apprentice for about a year.

    In 2015, I got into uni and started sewing clothes for money. I took my sewing machine to school and charged a ₦1k – ₦1500 flat rate to make dresses and tops. My earnings from this augmented my allowance —  ₦10k/month — for my first two years in uni. 

    Then, in my 300 level, I pivoted to offering makeup services. 

    Did you also learn how to do makeup?

    I didn’t. I’m quite creative and like doing things with my hands. I started experimenting with makeup in secondary school. I’d wear some to church and paint my nails, then I’d take them off before school on Monday. 

    So, I knew what I was doing when I started charging for makeup services at university. I didn’t charge too much, though. My rates were between ₦500 – ₦1k, and I also took on a few sewing gigs on the side. 

    I ran both businesses for the rest of uni. After I graduated in 2018, I did a three-month stint teaching at a school.

    What was the pay like?

    ₦17k/month for a whole graduate. Plus, I taught five senior classes English language and literature. 

    Anyway, I moved on to my NYSC Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) in 2019. The monthly stipend was ₦19800, which increased to ₦33k a few months before my service year ended.

    I took on a few tailoring gigs during service but mostly lived on my allawee and random cash handouts from relatives. So, I was comfortable. 

    In 2021, I moved to Lagos to upgrade my fashion skills. I couldn’t afford a fashion school, so I went to someone who had studied at one. I paid ₦150k, and I studied with her for a year. 

    I’m curious. What additional skills did you learn?

    Before I made this move, my tailoring skills were what tailors call “free hand” and “cut and join”. During the training, I learnt “pattern drafting”, which is a more advanced process and a better way of making clothes. 

    I didn’t have an income during this period, but fortunately, I lived with a relative, which saved me feeding and accommodation costs. 

    I finished my training in 2022 and job-hunted for six months before I got a job in fashion. The job was supposed to be everything I’d wanted.

    I’m guessing it wasn’t?

    It wasn’t. It was a bridal company, and I was employed as a manager. My initial salary was ₦70k, which increased to ₦100k after eight months. That said, the load of responsibilities didn’t match the salary.

    The job was so stressful and toxic. I was supposed to be a manager and pattern drafter, but I was also supervising all the workers, cutting garments, drafting patterns for the bridal gown embellishments, procuring materials, styling clients and working as my boss’ personal assistant. 

    Sometimes, I had to sew the gowns myself. On top of that, my boss was abusive and an all-round terrible person. My mental health was in shambles at that place.

    I managed to stay at the job for one and a half years because I was fully responsible for myself at that point. My relative had relocated, and I had my ₦350k/year rent to consider, plus feeding and transportation. I finally left just before Christmas break in 2023. 

    Subscribe to the Money by Zikoko Newsletter for more stories like this. It’ll only take a minute.

    Did you have any plans in place when you left?

    My plan was to japa, and I thought it’d happen in 2024. For context, I started considering japa after I completed NYSC in 2020. 

    I wanted to go through the study route to earn a master’s degree in fashion design, but I realised it was out of reach. The only countries I knew were Canada, the UK and the US, and I couldn’t afford them. So, I didn’t put much thought into the process until I came across a work visa opportunity to Japan as a teacher in 2023. 

    This is how it works: Intending migrants apply for jobs at a Japanese company, and if they get the job, the employer applies for a certificate of eligibility to facilitate the visa and travel. The work contract and visa are valid for a year and can be renewed if the company is satisfied with the migrant’s work. If not, the migrant can look for a job with a different company or return to their home country.

    Also, the employer doesn’t pay for the worker’s accommodation, but they support the process of securing one. You can’t do many things without a guarantor, especially getting an apartment, in Japan. So, the employer can help the migrant worker search for an apartment and the worker pays when they arrive.

    Before I quit my job at the fashion company, I’d secured an offer to teach English in Japan. The salary was ¥230k/month (around ₦2.3m), and I was supposed to travel in March or April 2024. However, the company deferred my contract to 2025. 

    Why?

    Apparently, I came in late during the hiring process, and it was too late for them to apply for the certificate. The problem was I’d already quit my job and moved back to my parents’ house. I was so weak and downcast. 

    It seemed like the opportunity had gone, so I tried to get another job offer in the country, but nothing came. I only pursued Japan because the process was easier and more affordable. The estimated cost for the visa, flight and accommodation is about ₦10m, which is still reasonable compared to other countries.

    When I didn’t get another offer, I decided to wait for 2025 and hope the company would restart the process. I was in limbo for the rest of 2024, though. I didn’t look for jobs or upskill. I just took on small tailoring gigs occasionally and stayed home the rest of the time. My mind was just set on leaving Nigeria. 

    Right now, I make just enough money to survive. Sometimes, I make up to ₦50k/month; my only expenses are data and occasional transportation costs.

    It’s 2025 now. Did the company restart the application process?

    They did, thankfully. I have my visa, and I’m looking to travel in March. I’ve gotten the certificate of eligibility, paid the ₦12500 visa fee and raised the ₦10m I need for travel and accommodation through my mum. She took out a loan, and I’ll start paying it back as soon as I settle in Japan. 

    Ultimately, I don’t plan to return to Nigeria. I’ll just focus on working hard so my contract is renewed. Japan also feels like a structured country, and I think I’ll thrive there. However, their immigration policy isn’t friendly. They only offer permanent residence to foreigners after 10 years — no hope of attaining citizenship. 

    If I’m lucky enough to keep getting jobs for 10 years and become a permanent resident, I’ll probably look at other countries to settle in. But let me get to Japan first.

    How would you describe your relationship with money?

    I haven’t really made a lot of money in my life. I’ve generally played it very little and safe when it comes to money. I’m very basic; I don’t spend money on hair, nails, or other things like that. It doesn’t mean I don’t like those things; I just haven’t had enough to indulge. I’ve just been content with what I have.

    That said, I’m looking forward to this new era of my life. I feel like I will finally make enough money to care for myself and be really happy. I’ll be able to buy hair, dress well, and do the things I haven’t been able to do for myself. 

    I’m excited because I probably couldn’t have envisioned a promising future in Nigeria so soon. When I earned ₦100k, all my savings went into paying rent. I couldn’t have unlocked any sort of financial freedom if I stuck with that. It would also likely take several years for me to earn up to ₦2m in Nigeria, but I’ll be making that when I move to Japan. 

    I see. Out of curiosity, are you nervous about starting afresh and alone in Japan?

    Nah. I’m not worried about that. My only concern is meeting my financial goals and securing a contract for next year. It’ll take me about six months to fully repay my mum’s loan, and I should still be able to save about 20% of my income monthly. I can’t really say for sure until I arrive and see how things are. 

    But I hope I will have set aside a good safety net before my contract expires next year and I have to figure out the next steps.

    Is there anything you want right now but can’t afford?

    A lot of things o. I’m a girl, and I’d like to be able to afford nice hair and bags. I also have some health concerns I can’t sort out until I make good enough money or can afford health insurance. Hopefully, things would’ve changed by this time next year. 

    How would you rate your financial happiness on a scale of 1-10?

    7. I have enough for my basic needs right now, but I want more. I want to buy property and do big things. I know things will improve after I japa.

    If you’re interested in talking about your Naira Life story, this is a good place to start.

    Yes, I want to do a Naira Life!

    Find all the past Naira Life stories here.

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  • The topic of how young Nigerians navigate romantic relationships with their earnings is a minefield of hot takes. In Love Currency, we get into what relationships across income brackets look like in different cities.

    How long have you been with your partner?

    My wife, Uloma, and I have been married for 10 years, but we started dating in 2006. So, we’ve been together for 19 years. 

    How did you both meet?

    We attended the same secondary school. Then, we reconnected during the 2006 census exercise. Movements were restricted, but I was a baseline technician with a telecoms company. 

    My job was to monitor the base station and manually restore the signal if the electricity went off so people still had service. That made me an essential worker, so I had a driver take me and my colleagues to and fro work during that period. 

    One day, the driver didn’t come on time, so I decided to walk. That’s how I passed by Uloma’s house and saw her sitting by the stairs. We were excited to see each other again and started talking regularly. Those were the days of MTN Xtracool. We’d talk all night till 6 a.m. I asked her out some days after, and she accepted. 

    What were the early days of the relationship like?

    Really good. Uloma was in her third year at uni, and I earned ₦48k/month — which was good money — but she never brought any financial burden to me. I appreciated that because I was also saving to pursue a university education. She was modest, and the only thing she asked of me was assurance that I wouldn’t waste her time and we’d end up married.

    I finally got into the university for a part-time program in 2008. By then, she was in her final year, and the pressure intensified. It was clear she wanted us to get married soon or at least get engaged. It scared me, to be honest. I loved her, but I wasn’t financially ready for marriage, and I didn’t see myself depending on anyone for money to provide for my home. 

    I wanted to finish school, work for a few years, and make enough to afford a comfortable life. Granted, I still made at least ₦35k/month working as a personal assistant to a public figure while in school and had up to ₦2m in my savings. But I didn’t think it was enough to start life. Still, I relented, and we got engaged in 2011 while I was still in school. But then another problem came.

    What problem was that?

    Uloma’s elder brother, who lived in the UK, started making plans for her to join him, and Uloma started pressuring me to do a traditional wedding so she wouldn’t go to the UK with empty promises. 

    Even after she travelled in 2012, she wanted me to visit her hometown and perform the traditional rites in her absence, but I wasn’t okay with that. She’d left on a visitor’s visa and couldn’t return until she had the proper documents. What if she stayed there for three more years? At some point, we broke up and got back together after a few months.

    On my own end, I began planning to leave the country for my master’s program. I left for Canada in 2013, and the whole thing cost c$10k (₦3m at the time). I took a loan and relied on an uncle’s goodwill to meet that amount.

    Why not the UK to meet Uloma, though?

    The UK denied my visa. It was Canada that worked out. After my program, I visited Nigeria in 2014. Thankfully, Uloma’s visa was renewed, so she also visited Nigeria, and we finally got married.

    After the wedding, I returned to Canada and applied for another UK visitor visa. They approved it this time, and I got to spend a few weeks with Uloma. But then I got a job with a pharmaceutical company in Germany and had to move again. The salary was €2300/month with free accommodation. It was too good an opportunity to pass up.

    Unfortunately, Uloma couldn’t come with me because of visa restrictions. So, we’ve lived in separate countries since 2014. 

    Ah. Isn’t that hard?

    The good thing about our arrangement is that the distance between our cities is like Lagos and Abuja — a 45-minute flight or a 10-hour drive. The flight costs less than €100, and I can travel to see my family — we have two kids now — every weekend if I want. We visit each other at least twice a month.

    At first, I did all the travelling because my blue card visa allowed me to enter the UK without a visa. But Uloma has been a British citizen since 2019, just like I’m a German citizen, and we can travel to visit each other freely. 

    Who pays for these trips?

    I do, most of the time. Since we got married, I’ve handled most of my wife’s financial needs, including rent. We have a house in the UK now, so I pay the £480/month mortgage. I also pay my €900/month rent here in Germany. 

    My wife works with the NHS and makes less than £3k/month, but she’s been very helpful financially. She takes up most of the bills without even mentioning them to me, especially if they are for our children.

    I don’t have a set allowance I send to her. She just says she needs money for something, and I send it. Most of my income goes to my wife and kids.

    How do you plan for romance stuff while living in different countries?

    We travel for vacations, and I plan these for when the kids are out of school. Germany is a very organised country, and they encourage workers to plan their holiday dates months in advance. By October 2024, I already knew when my holiday would fall in 2025. 

    This helps me plan trips and save on flight costs. I buy tickets in advance and take advantage of holiday packages. Most of our trips cost around €1k. The most expensive trip we’ve taken so far was to Turkey, which cost less than €6k. It cost that much because we stayed in an all-inclusive five-star hotel for a week. 

    Do you both plan to live in the same country someday?

    We’ve actually given each other until the end of the year to decide where to live so we can be together for the kids. I don’t like the UK, and I’d have loved for my wife to come here. But it’d be a struggle for her to learn German. So, it’s either I join my family in the UK or we go to another country together.

    Do you have a safety net for this potential move?

    My wife and I have a joint savings account where we each save a percentage of our income. I try to do €300/month; my wife sometimes does up to £600. We currently have about £29k in that account. But we’re not just saving for the move. When it gets to £100k, we’ll put 50% cash into purchasing another house and take out a mortgage for the remaining 50% balance. Then, we’ll rent out the house and use the income to pay the mortgage.

    What’s your ideal financial future as a couple?

    When we start living together, our expenses will reduce. I hope to invest the extra income in starting a business so that I don’t need to be employed by anyone and we can have income flexibility.

    Interested in talking about how money moves in your relationship? If yes, click here.

    *Names have been changed for the sake of anonymity.

    NEXT READ: This Social Worker Earning ₦110k/Month Expresses Her Love by Gifting

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  • Someone you know has left or is planning to leave. 1,000 Ways To Japa will speak to real people and explore the infinite number of reasons and paths they use to get to Japa.

    Ibukun made up his mind to leave Nigeria in 2015, but finding an affordable school was the problem that kept him stuck till 2024. After applying to 65 postgraduate schools across 30 countries, he finally found a cheap Scottish university that made sense for the average-earning Nigerian. In this edition of 1K Ways to Japa, he breaks down the cost of studying in Scotland and why more Nigerians should consider it.

    When did you leave Nigeria, and where do you currently reside?

    I left Nigeria in September 2024. I live in Glasgow, Scotland. 

    Why did you decide to japa?

     An old friend’s visit to Germany in 2015 inspired me to japa; she visited Germany for a conference, and when she returned to Nigeria, she had so many stories to tell. It felt like she had seen a different side of life, and I wanted to experience it, too.

    I started by applying for scholarships because I’m from a humble background. I didn’t eventually get any scholarship, and it’s interesting because I was helping some friends apply to schools at the time, and they all ended up travelling before me. 

    How did that happen?

    I knew a lot about the international college application process, so I was the go-to guy when my friends decided to apply. But unlike me, they weren’t waiting for scholarships; their parents had enough money to sponsor them, so they left the country as soon as they gained admission into those universities. 

    That must have been tough.

    Not really. I had been trying to leave Nigeria since 2015, so I had experienced a good number of disappointments that helped me grow a thick skin. I applied for literally anything and everything that could take me out of Nigeria. I started with the South Korean government scholarship then, I tried China, Taiwan, Sweden, and Hungary. I also tried Greece, Vietnam, Poland, and Estonia. I actually applied to at least 65 postgraduate schools in 30 different countries.

    You were really serious about japa-ing 

    It was a serious mission. I tried France and other countries, too. Sometime in June 2024, my elder sister pitied me and decided to sponsor me. She was in Scotland then, so I did my research and found Glasgow Caledonian University.

    What’s special about Glasglow Caledonian Univerisity?

     It’s one of the cheapest universities in Scotland. The school offers a scholarship of £4,000 for applicants with second-class upper and £3,000 for second-class lower applicants. They also allow you to spread your tuition payment across your study period.

    Ibukun’s cost breakdown for studying in Scotland

    ALSO READ: How to Write the Perfect Statement of Purpose

    Did your relocation to Scotland meet your expectations?

    To be honest, I just wanted to leave Nigeria. I’m happy in Scotland and most likely would be happy anywhere that isn’t Nigeria. Back in Nigeria, I was doing a sales job with crazy targets. I didn’t feel like the role aligned with the kind of life I wanted, so when my sister proposed the move to Scotland, it felt like a perfect escape.

    Since I moved here, I’ve been living my dreams. I watched a live match at the stadium, and I’m now taking some IT courses after school hours at a training centre.  

    Why are you studying IT on the side?

     I’m studying business management in school, and I’m not sure how sustainable it is since I don’t intend to manage any business. On the other hand, IT offers more opportunities in any part of the world, so I might as well kill two birds with one stone. 

    That’s actually smart.  What are some of the culture shocks you’ve experienced so far?

    I underestimated how cold Scotland is. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into until  I landed at the airport. The only reason I didn’t freeze too badly was because my sister brought a jacket for me.

    They also have seasonal shorter days and longer nights here. In October, the sun was setting around 4:30 pm. The Scottish accent is another thing I find confusing. I never doubted my English proficiency until I moved here, but their accent can be confusing. I’ve also not seen any Toyota Corolla since I moved here. The cars I see on the street are brands I’ve never seen. 

    LMAO. Are you still living with your sister?

    Yes. It was cool at first, but now, there’s a bit of tension. I’m planning to move out. I’ve got my space already. 

    Did something happen?

    It’s nothing serious. She wants me to get a caregiver job, but that’s not what I want to do. She’s trying to protect me and ensure I don’t eventually have to move back to Nigeria, but sometimes it can come off the wrong way. We’re going to be okay, though.

    ALSO READ: Ranking Japa Routes For Nigerians According to Zikoko Subjects 

    I wish you the best. How happy are you in Scotland?

    I’m really happy here. It’s much better than living in Nigeria, and I see myself settling here.

     Want to to share your japa story? Please reach out to me here. 

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  • The Nigerian experience is physical, emotional, and sometimes international. No one knows it better than our features on #TheAbroadLife, a series where we detail and explore Nigerian experiences while living abroad. 

    Chika (24) had a pretty sweet life and solid friends in Nigeria, so when his parents told him they had processed his visa to the UK, he rebelled against it, but later, he came around. In this Abroad Life episode, Chika talks about leaving for the UK a day after his NYSC and finding his footing in the country.

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

    I live in England, and I left Nigeria in October 2023, a day after my National Youth Service Corpe (NYSC) Passing Out Parade (POP)

    How did you leave?

    I left on a student visa; I’m here for my master’s.

    Is there a reason you chose that route and the part of England you stay in?

    There’s no particular reason. When I arrived, I stayed in London for a bit with my sister, but she got a job in this city, so I had to move with her. It wasn’t easy to manoeuvre school, but I did it because I had no choice. I had just arrived, and I had no job or money to get my own place.

    I’m also not the kind of person to burden anyone, so I had to just stay with my sister and find my way to school. But I didn’t go every time I had lectures. Sometimes I did it the Nigerian way and asked someone to sign my attendance for me.

    Was there a reason you moved immediately after your NYSC?

     Trust me, it wasn’t planned. I guess it was just God’s plan.

    You must have been working towards it at some point. How did that happen?

    My parents instigated it, and I was against it. I didn’t want to travel, so I rebelled against the idea. I was enjoying my time with my boys, doing drive-throughs and stuff. 

     Nigeria was really fun for me, and I was doing just fine.  There were already signs I was going to be retained at the company I worked at so I saw no reason to travel.

    That said, I accepted my parent’s plans later on.  I felt like it was going to work if God wanted it to, so I gave it a shot.  People thought it was something I had been planning for a very long time, but the whole thing took about three months or so.

    Can you walk me through the process?

    My parents and my uncle had already started working on the process before I was in the loop.

    I usually dropped my important documents like my NECO, WAEC, and testimonials with my dad. My uncle also works in my secondary school, so it was pretty easy to start the admission process without me. It was when they needed other documents (my transcript certificate) that they involved me. Like I said, I initially rebelled, but I ultimately gave them everything they needed. After that, all he told me was I needed to go for my interview, biometrics, and all that. Everything happened so fast. That’s how I knew God actually wanted it to happen, so I just gave in as much as I could.

    Did your parents process the whole thing themselves because they already knew you wouldn’t want to leave?

    Not really. I think my parents have always sought an easy way for their kids because they sort of foresaw the way Nigeria would turn out.

    That’s really nice and thoughtful. So, did they pick your course of study?

    My dad and I had tons of conversations about masters prior to this, so he already knew my choice.

    That makes a lot of sense. So, how has life been since you got to the UK?

    I can’t say it’s good. I can’t say it’s bad.

    Oh, okay. Please tell me more.

    It’s mostly because I was only able to make a friend about eight months after I moved here.

    Ah, your first friend? 

    Yeah. He’s Nigerian, and I connected with him through TikTok. But before then, I had already bumped into him twice on my way to work.

    That’s very interesting. I’m curious about why it took you that long to make your first friend

    All I do is go to school, come back home, shop for groceries, come back home, go to work, come back home, or go on a stroll and come back home.

    So, have you tried expanding your community?

    Not really. I feel like another reason why I’ve found it hard doing that is because making new friends online is okay for me, but I’m not really so keen on making new friends physically because I feel like the devil I know is even better than the one I don’t. 

    Once, I tried making friends with someone I met on the bus. We live ten minutes away from each other, but after we met like twice and I walked her home, we haven’t seen each other again. I mostly just talk to my friends online and make TikToks. That’s my life here, but I’m willing to expand.

    Would you consider living in England lonely compared to the life you had in Nigeria? 

    It’s not like it’s lonely. I’m normally a very social person, but I haven’t really been able to be that person here because of the things I’ve had to do. Also, I don’t just make friends with just anybody. I like creating strong and proper connections. And I actually have friends in the UK, only that they live so far away. My social life will definitely change once I’m done with my master’s.

    How so, though?

    First, I’m going to move out of my sister’s house. When I stay on my own, my friends can come over, and I can go over to my friends. I can also explore other lifestyles, going into fashion content and modelling and stuff. I want to get serious with things I used to do in Nigeria that I just had to put on hold because of my master’s.

    Let’s talk a bit more about you living with your sister. What is it like?

    It’s just like living with family, which has always been normal and fun. It’s just like leaving home for home.

    Would you say that living with your sibling limited your social freedom in a way?

    Not really. In fact, I can actually say it was me who limited myself because they know I’m an adult who can decide things for myself. It’s not like they can stop me from going out if I want to. The least they can do is tell me to be careful and stay safe.

    You said earlier that you didn’t want to leave Nigeria because you had fun with your boys. What was so special about that life?

    It was the bond and the fact that we all shared the same life and interests. They were people I could relate to. We like the same things. I love cars, and they do, too. It’s so easy that we never planned our outings; they just happened.

    One can’t have everything, but I had the things that I could. Having real and sincere friends is one of the best things in this life. Friendship is not something that is just so easy to get and I had mine for six years and over.

    So, what is the most interesting part about living in the UK for you?

    One of the good things about living in the UK is that your eyes will be opened to things that you didn’t know before. Another thing is that it exposes you to things that can actually help you make a more profitable life for yourself. I also like creating content on TikTok, and the UK makes that easier.

    Have you witnessed any culture shocks since moving to the UK?

    Quite a lot. There are many sexy cars here that aren’t in Nigeria. I’m sorry, the first time I’m talking about is a car, but I can’t help it.

    The laws are also a culture shock, but they make sense because they keep us safe. In Nigeria, many people are scared of walking in the night because of the risks, but you can literally walk in the UK at 1 a.m., or 2 a.m. without fear. I think it depends on the city, though, but it’s generally safe.

    The weather is another shocker, too. UK weather is bi-polar. I always say that I can’t be friends or even date someone who is as bipolar as the weather here.

    Speaking of dating. I mean, if you took it this long to find a friend, I’m wondering if anything has happened to your dating life since you moved to the UK. 

    I’ve not been in any relationship since I’ve been in the UK. My previous relationship became tough months before I left Nigeria, so we broke up. I think it’s also one of the reasons why I gave the UK a chance. I just wanted to get a breath of fresh air because I was mentally and emotionally messed up. It really affected me.

    Do you mind telling me why it affected you enough to influence your move?

    I had an emotional and mental breakdown. Everything around me revolved around her. She was a part of me already. My family knew already, too; we dated for about three years and were on our way to the fourth.

    On a scale of one to 10, how happy would you say you are with your life in the UK?

    I’m not sure, but I’ll say 8.5. It’s good, but things could be better. I had a breakdown a few months ago because of school stress. It’s not fully great, but it’s still really good.

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

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  • Someone you know has left or is planning to leave. 1,000 Ways To Japa will speak to real people and explore the infinite number of reasons and paths they use to get to Japa.

    When Dubem and his wife moved to the UK three years ago, they had no idea that the “for better or worse” part of their vow would become literal. He talks about how he and his partner were able to survive a long-distance marriage, health issues, relocation and financial stress.

    When did you start considering japa as an option?

    Japa has never been a strange concept to me; It’s a normal thing in my family. All my siblings left the country on the student route, and I left Nigeria using the Spousal Support  Visa route. 

    I initially preferred Canada, but my wife got a job in the UK, so we had to move here instead. We made the decision because it felt like we were working hard and earning well in Nigeria but weren’t seeing any results. It just felt smarter to start over in a country with systems in place to make your life easier.

    How’s that going?

    So, we left the country with a ten-year plan. The idea was to return after ten years and set up our business. We planned to save up at least ₦100 million in capital.

    We’ve been here for two years and are about 20% close to our savings goal. But recently, we had to buy a car. We paid in cash because we were still holding on to the Nigerian mentality that you are better off saving than relying on the credit system, which is a working credit system here. I’m only just now starting to accept that it’s a better way to make big purchases. We also had a baby.

    Congratulations!

    Thank you. That gives you an idea of why we’re still at 20%. I’m confident that we’ll go harder soon. 

    When we first moved, we lived in two different towns about seven hours’ drive away from each other, but that allowed us to focus on working as much as we could and earning a lot of money.

    We used to travel to see each other once a month and spend a weekend together. Recently, though, things have changed, and we now live together. We now have other things taking our money, but we’re definitely still on track for that long-term goal.

    How long did you guys live apart?

    Almost a year. 11 months apart.

    How did that affect your relationship?

    We are not strangers to long-distance relationships. When I met my wife, I was schooling in the north, and she was transferred to work in Abuja. We decided to stay friends, but as time progressed, we started dating. When we started dating, I got a job in Abuja, and she got another job in Lagos. So doing long distance in the UK was no different.

    You mentioned that you left on a spousal support visa. What did the process of getting the visa look like?

    The UK’s National Health Services is one of the biggest employers of immigrants in the UK. My wife is a radiographer, so there were good job opportunities for her. We started the process before getting married, but COVID-19 forced us to deprioritise it.

    The first thing we did was to register with the licensing board here. To do that, you need to present specific certificates showing that your education in Nigeria is equivalent to the UK’s requirement. This stage would also require you to present a statement of result. In our case, getting that document wasted our time because Nigerian universities can be somehow.

    Once you can satisfy their requirements for that award, you get a license proving you have the right to practice in the UK. Once you pass that stage, you pay the registration fee and everything else.

    The next thing is to apply for jobs that offer sponsorship. Those are the kinds of jobs that can give you the documents you need to apply for your visa. In our case, relocating with this visa took almost 10 months because we had issues with our passports. We both decided to renew our passports before leaving, and even though we paid for the fast track, it took us about two months to get that passport. We also had to prove that we were married.

    We got our marriage certificate from a small court in my wife’s hometown, so we worried it wouldn’t be internationally acceptable. The court in question had no verifiable email or contact information, so a friend advised us to attach a PDF containing pictures of our wedding day, and that was what we did. 

    Another process that frustrated us was getting the tuberculosis test. You can only take the test in a UK-approved home centre. Getting a date for the test was hell; Something that should typically take weeks ended up lasting for about two months. We nearly lost the sponsorship from her employer because they thought she was unserious. Thankfully, everything worked out in the end.

    Thank God!

    Yeah. The final thing we needed was a police character certificate to prove that we were not criminally wanted in our country. Some parts of the application process for this certificate can be done online, but you have to go to the police station for your biometrics and other things. I remember my wife leaving the house around 8 am and getting back around 6 pm. That was because there was a long queue, and the process was unnecessarily stressful. She even had to pay a policeman about ₦2,000 to quicken the process.

    God abeg. So, what was it like settling into the UK?

    My wife’s employer had an apartment ready for her when she arrived in the UK, but there was a rule against me living there. She was living close to London while I  had to move to Newcastle.

    I was squatting with a friend whose apartment was big enough for two people. But getting a job wasn’t easy for me even though I was well educated and had a great portfolio. 

    After some rejections, I realised that they didn’t necessarily respect my Nigerian education. It wasn’t a question of competence because I wasn’t even getting interview invitations. Some Nigerians in the UK advised me to apply for factory or supermarket jobs, and that was what I did. I didn’t even last up to two weeks before I fainted at work–I had to do lots of heavy lifting while working from 6 am to 6 pm, and we weren’t allowed to sit at all during those 12 hours.

    At first, it was just a fall, but I picked myself up immediately then I fell again, and I was asked to go home. I was stuck at the bus stop for hours, and it was freezing. I hadn’t made enough money to buy a proper winter jacket. The one I had was the second-hand jacket I bought from Yaba. I can’t remember the details, but it was at the bus stop I ultimately passed out.

    I somehow ended up at my friend’s place, but  I insisted on not going to the hospital (as I was later told). I was unconscious for three days, and when I regained consciousness, the first thing I did was put in my resignation.

    So sorry about that experience. Did you get a better job after you quit?

    I got a customer care representative offer about a week after that experience. It felt like a big downgrade because I was the head of marketing in a company when I lived in Nigeria. I was about to sign the offer when I got led by the Holy Spirit to check the company review. Thank God I did because it was about two stars out of ten. So, I just emailed HR to inform them that I won’t be moving forward with the role.  I started applying again and eventually got a job by recommendation. The job would make me move to Kent, much closer to my wife’s location.

    I took the job, and I’ve been working there ever since. One of the reasons why I’m still there is because I have empathetic employers. My wife had a complicated pregnancy, and we used to be in and out of the hospital.

    At some point, the NHS stopped paying her because she had been sick for more than 60 days in nine months. But my employers were very understanding. I had to be in the hospital as much as my wife; we didn’t have anybody else to help, but my employer never complained about my absence. All they asked me to do was to take my laptop to the hospital, join a few meetings in the morning, get some tasks done, and that’s all. Then, they allowed me to take another one or two days off, and my income was never deducted based on all of this.  They are great people.

    Love that for you. Do you have any tips for couples that want to japa through the spousal support visa?

    This is more of an advice than a tip. Be open to not being physically together for a while. Go where the money is, even if it means maintaining a long-distance relationship. Other couples might be lucky enough to get a well-paying job in the exact location, but they should keep an open mind.

    Another thing you should do is work hard. You should both be working if you’re coming into the country as a couple. Nobody should sit around waiting for a dream job when other options exist to make money. But you should also make life easier for anybody with the sponsorship. For instance, I do the hospital runs for our baby while my wife focuses on not slacking at work because my job is more flexible.

    What happens if she slacks at work?

    If her employer isn’t satisfied with her performance, they can choose not to renew her visa. God forbid, but if that happens, she can apply for another job that comes with sponsorship before the visa expires. In the worst-case scenario that she doesn’t get a job, the UK government will give her about 60 or 80 days before declaring her an illegal immigrant.

    Interesting. What’s one thing you love most about living in the UK?

    It’s the constant access to power supply. As little as it may seem, that’s my favourite thing.

    How happy are you with your life in the UK?

    Oh, very happy. Things have fallen into place in the last three years. I love my job and my church.

    I have a strong community here–We watch each other’s kids, celebrate, and help each other in many ways. Since my wife gave birth, we’ve not had her mom or mine come for omugwo, but the mothers in our church haven’t given us a reason to feel their absence. My wife gave birth to our baby through cesarean section, but these women were so helpful during the healing process. They would bring both of us food and help with the baby. That’s to give you an idea of the kind of community we have.

     Want to to share your japa story? Please reach out to me here. 

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  • Someone you know has left or is planning to leave. 1,000 Ways To Japa will speak to real people and explore the infinite number of reasons and paths they use to get to Japa.

    In 2024, we promised to find the perfect way for you to japa, and thanks to the Zikoko subjects who are not fans of gatekeeping life-changing information, we found the best japa routes for you. From free schools to high-paying international jobs, there’s something for everyone in this end-of-the-year version of 1,000 Ways to Japa. 

    P.S. I’m Margaret (the cool kids call me Mikun), and I get the best tips from these amazing people. I will share some inside gist from my conversations with each of these subjects while I rank their japa routes from “Ate” to “Meh”

    Attend a free school in Switzerland (Ate down 1000/10)

    The best things in life are free, even if those things take you away from your 6-figure business in Nigeria. For the second edition of 1k Ways to Japa, I spoke to this businessman who left his thriving business to study in Switzerland. At first, I thought he was crazy because if my hand touched what he earned in Nigeria monthly, best believe I would be enjoying a capitalism-free life in Ogbomosho.  But when he explained that his school is technically free and he gets the chance to restart his life with his savings in a stable country like Switzerland, I rated his move like mad. If you’re looking for the most affordable way to say goodbye to this country, he shared all the details in this article. 

    Start a business in Rwanda (Ate – 9.5/10)

    Visiting Rwanda is one of the highlights of my  2024, so when I found Daniels, the subject of this story, I knew I had to book an interview.  Before you go, “Why would I leave Nigeria for Rwanda?” Think again because it’s a highly functional country with impressive systems and amazing people.

    The subject of this edition of 1k Ways to Japa got so tired of being profiled by police in Nigeria that he moved to Rwanda. It was supposed to be a temporary move, but he fell in love with Kigali, and the move became permanent. Moving to Rwanda is easy; you get a 30-day free visa and peace of mind. Read more about this japa route in this Daniels’ story.

    Get a funded study opportunity in the US (Ateeee – 10/10)

    When I think about scholarship opportunities, the US is always the last country on my mind. I think that’s mostly because I never really hear about those opportunities. Thanks to Tunde, the subject of this 1k Ways to Japa story, I now know that there’s something called “assistantship programs” that can help you japa to America in 2025. Read more about Tunde’s japa story here.

    Apply for a UK Global Talent Visa ( Ate 8/10)

    I used to think I knew everything about this visa, but I didn’t know anything. Micheal, the subject of this story, took me to the school of immigration and walked me through the process of getting this visa. If you work in tech and have at least two years of working experience, this is probably the perfect opportunity for you. It’s one of the most-read japa stories of 2024, and you’ll understand why when you read it here.

    Move to Canada with a work permit (Ate 7/10)

    It took weeks to get Isreal, the subject of this edition, to tell his japa story, but it was worth it. Israel is a pro when it comes to getting jobs from your favourite international companies, so I knew I had to pick his brain. If you’re trying to make it out of the trenches by moving to Canada with a work permit, Israel’s story is one you need to read.

    It’s been a great year for 1,000 Ways to Japa. We’ve told interesting stories, found affordable japa routes and learnt lessons that people would typically gatekeep from our amazing subjects. We’re curious to see how much more we can achieve next year. Be the first to know when a new edition drops next year.

     Want to to share your japa story? Please reach out to me here.