Image by DC Studio on Freepik The model is not affiliated with the story in any way.
When people ask why he left a well‑paying job in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK, Bola always gives the same answer: “The stress was too much, and I just wanted more that wouldn’t require working around the clock.”
At 38, he was earning enough to live comfortably. A car, a good apartment, and a mouthwatering salary. But every time the news mentioned an increment in fuel price, kidnappings, or bombings in the north, something inside him told him he needed to leave before things got worse. What seemed like a better option has become a nightmare of debt and visa anxiety. In this story, he shares how he lost £13,000 to someone who promised him a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), and why finding a job that will sponsor him feels impossible.
Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?
I’m in the UK. I left Nigeria in January 2023.
What did you do in Nigeria before relocating?
I worked in the oil and gas sector, where I was making decent money. I also had other side gigs that were bringing in money monthly. I was comfortable, a nice place in Lekki, a car and other good things. I would say I was doing well.
So why leave all that behind?
Honestly? I was tired of Nigeria. The insecurity was getting worse. The economy was unstable. I watched the naira keep going down, and my salary losing value. I watched the Nigerian passport lose value. I kept asking myself if I would be able to afford to travel for vacations abroad with the way things were going. I also felt like I would hit a ceiling in my career. Despite working around the clock, the big promotions were going to people with connections. There was this constant fear that even with all my money, one bad medical emergency or one wrong encounter with the police could end it all. I wanted more. I wanted to be in an environment where things work, where I could build something sustainable and maybe someday get a stronger passport that wouldn’t be a disadvantage. The UK student route felt like the answer at the time.
How did your family and friends react when you told them you wanted to leave?
My family and some friends were happy for me. Most people were already getting tired of the country and were also leaving or making plans to japa. Some other friends and colleagues at work tried to dissuade me. They thought it wasn’t the right move.
What programme did you pursue, and how much did it cost you to relocate
I did a Master’s in Project Management. It was a one-year programme. I spent nothing less than ₦25 million, inclusive of tuition, flight, and visa fees. This is aside from the Proof of Funds. I had savings, and I sold my car.
What was your first impression when you arrived in the UK?
Cold. It was January, so winter was still showing off. It wasn’t easy adjusting at first. Getting an apartment also proved difficult. You had to bring this and bring that. I was spending money on Airbnb. I had it all back home, and here I was, in a foreign land, going back to the classroom as an international student and trying to figure out life. It was humbling.
How did you manage financially while studying?
I was still getting money from my Nigerian side gigs, and I had savings. Finding work was not so easy. I kept applying to different companies, hoping to land something professional, but I kept getting “unfortunately”. After saying I would never work in a warehouse, I ended up in one. I did warehouse jobs, cleaning jobs, security jobs, anything that would bring in money cause bills had to be paid monthly.
Now that you are done with school, has it been easier getting a job?
It’s yes and no. After I finished my Master’s in 2024, I got my post-study work visa, which gives me two years to stay in the UK. During that period, you are to find a job that can give you a COS (Certificate of Sponsorship). I got a council job as a business support assistant not long after, but they do not offer sponsorship. While there, I was still applying to other places that offered COS. I finally landed a job in London that was going to sponsor, but unfortunately, the UK government changed its policies in July. This scattered everything as the job couldn’t sponsor me anymore, and I ended up not taking it. I have gotten other job offers after that, but the issue has been no sponsorship. It has been frustrating, and the clock is ticking as my post-study work visa will soon run out, with only a few months left.
Do you have a Plan B?
At this point, I do not know. I have lost so much money that I am even in debt. I paid about £5000 to someone to help me with the Global Talent visa. He ran away with my money. Sometime in October, I met someone who said he could help me with COS. He asked for £13,500, and out of desperation, I paid. I didn’t have all the money, so I had to borrow to make up. A few weeks later, I found out the company was one of those the UK government cracked down on for fake COS. Now, I’m back to square one, money gone, I’m in debt, and still no COS.
My graduate visa expires in April. That’s about three months away. If I don’t find a job that will sponsor me by then, I have to leave the UK. So right now, I’m just waiting, hoping, and praying something comes through before time runs out.
At this point, do you regret your decision to leave Nigeria?
Some days, yes, especially when I check my bank account and remember I’m in debt, when I think about the life I had in Lagos, or when anxiety kicks in, and I begin to worry about my future.
But other days, I’m positive it will get better. Do I want to return to Nigeria? NO! I still like it here. My work is hybrid and is not so stressful. Nobody expects me to work overtime and not get paid. I don’t want to return to that stress and having to deal with electricity and internet issues.
“These stories are based on real-life experiences. Some contributors have chosen to remain anonymous due to privacy and sensitive circumstances. We respect their choice to remain anonymous.”
Interested in sharing your Abroad Life experience? You can reach me here.
