JAPA REALITIES: Food In Nigeria Can Never Be Compared To Food Over Here – Philip of United Kingdom

Stories from the other side is a series detailing the experiences of Nigerians abroad. 

The spotlight this week is on a postgraduate student in the United Kingdom, who talks about settling in and what he misses about Nigeria.

What was growing up in Nigeria like for you?

Growing up in Nigeria was great. I can never forget the fact that my parents are Nigerians and I was born there. I schooled in Nigeria till my first degree days, and I met highly intelligent people in Nigeria.

What University did you attend in Nigeria and what was your course of study?

I studied Accounting at the University of Ilorin.

What was your motivation for leaving Nigeria?

My main motivation for leaving Nigeria was that I needed to upgrade my knowledge in my area of specialisation, and the best way in which I could do that was to travel out of the country. 

Nigeria will delay you for some reasons, and you might not even get gainful employment when you’re done.

You travelled out of Nigeria to which country? 

I travelled to the United Kingdom.

Did you have any trouble adapting to your new environment? 

Well, it is normal to have some challenges, such as weather, making new friends, food and the rest. As time went on, I adapted to the situation.

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Do you work, go to school, or do you do both? 

I do both. 

What’s the experience like juggling both?

Well, it’s not easy, but money must be made. 

Any experiences of a reality check schooling in the UK compared to Nigeria?

Yeah, it is different. The systems built around education here are better compared to those in Nigeria. The way they assess tests and exams after being taught is different and there is not much work overload compared to our lecturers in Nigeria. 

Are you interested in coming back to Nigeria?

The most important people in my life are still in Nigeria, my parents most especially. I will be coming over to check up on them. However, I don’t think I would want to settle down in Nigeria anymore.

What’s the food like over there? And can you compare it with our food here in Nigeria?

(smiles) Food in Nigeria can never be compared to food over here. Their chicken isn’t that good compared to Nigeria’s. Though this food thing is different for other people, for me I would prefer Nigerian food over any other.

Have you been able to find Nigerian friends or a Nigerian community around you? 

Yes, I have. I’m a lover of sports and music. So I made friends with most Nigerians through playing football and playing the talking drum. 

What’s that one thing you miss about Nigeria?

I miss our food.

What challenges have you faced since you’ve been out of the country?

The weather wasn’t friendly at all when I entered. It was too cold.

What advice would you give any Nigerian trying to move to the UK through study?

I would say it is a very good and bold step and I would advise them to keep it up because the UK is a better place to achieve one’s dream and, obviously, once you start working, you will become financially stable, at least to some extent. 

Editor’s Note: At the request of our sources, the names in this article have been changed to protect their identities.