Hakeem Idris is a postgraduate student in the United Kingdom. In this week’s episode of stories from the other side, he discusses the difficulties associated with relocation and the tolls of adapting to a new environment.
Stories from the other side is a series detailing the experiences of Nigerians abroad.
Hi Hakeem, thank you for agreeing to do this.
Always a pleasure!
So, how long have you been out of Nigeria?
Hmmm. I have been out of Nigeria for about a year now. I left in August 2021.
Really? Interesting! Where did you travel to?
I relocated to the United Kingdom.
How did you find the emigration application process ?
Well, I would say it was quite easy.
For real? That is against popular belief!
Yes, I think it is easy, especially if you’ve done your research before starting the process.
Oh! Wow. But what is it like to live in a new environment? Did you have any trouble adapting?
Yes, I had o. I was very cold when I first arrived, but now I have adjusted. I arrived last August, when it was quite cold, but not very cold. It was not until November that I discovered that the degree to which I felt cold in August was minimal compared to that of November. I know how to manage myself better now though.
What was growing up in Nigeria like for you?
It was fun, honestly. At that time, insecurity wasn’t as bad as it is now. The sense of belonging was there and it was easy to relate to other kids like myself without many restrictions. So many beautiful experiences. Although, I will prefer not to go into details.
I’m curious now. Why did you decide to leave? Work, school, both, or something else?
I currently work and study, but my primary purpose for travelling is education.
Studying in the UK, did you get any ‘culture shock’?
I do not think there is much of a difference between schooling in Nigeria and in the UK. The teaching style is quite similar. However,the availability and accessibility of (academic) resources in the UK is quite commendable.
Do you intend to return to Nigeria after studying?
I am yet to make a final decision. I’m focusing on my studies right now. When I get to that bridge, I will cross it.
Overall best in focus!
lol.
So tell us, what’s the weather like over there?
Like I said earlier, at first, it was very cold. And the fact that they have some bizarre weather conditions here is quite shocking. Like extremely long nights and extremely long days. Sometimes, even at 9 p.m., everywhere is as bright as day.
Let’s talk about communities. I know Nigerians are one of the largest immigrant groups in the UK. Have you been able to make Nigerian friends? Have you found a Nigerian community around you?
Yes, I have. There are a lot of Nigerians over here, and I can’t say there’s one particular group that unites all Nigerians.
Of course, there are subsets or different groups of Nigerians, and I can say I belong to a few. For example, on Twitter, we have Nigerians in the UK community. Although it’s an online community, it boasts of almost five thousand members, there are still some people in the UK that are not a part of it. And it’s nice to have people you can identify with around you.
Fantastic. Now, let me weigh your thoughts on the assertion that Nigerian men respect women more when they move abroad
Hmmm. I do not think Nigerian men respect women more or less when they move abroad.
There’s also a widespread belief that racism is still prevalent in the UK. What has been your experience?
I think that is somewhat true. However, over time, I have realised that it is sometimes exaggerated. When you have preoccupied your mind that every white person around you is racist, there is a high tendency that you’ll see a kind gesture as being discriminatory. So while there might be some not too pleasant people, there are lovely people here too.
What advice would you give a Nigerian trying to move to the UK to study?
Believe in yourself. You can do it!
Editor’s Note: Names in this story have been changed to protect the identities of our sources.
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