Usman Isyaku, a PhD holder who returned to Nigeria from the UK out of a sense of patriotism, now reflects on his decision with regret, calling it “foolish.”
After earning a monthly stipend of £1,550 (around N3.4 million) while studying in the UK, Isyaku took a job in Nigeria that pays just N250,000 per month.
He initially felt motivated to contribute to his home country, but upon comparing his previous earnings with his current salary, he expressed disappointment.
On his Facebook page, Isyaku wrote, “I thought Nigeria needed my expertise, but I realized how unrealistic it was to expect to support my family on such a meager salary.” He criticized the working conditions and low pay for highly educated professionals in Nigeria, emphasizing that current economic challenges make it difficult to meet basic needs.
He warned others considering a similar return: “In a country where people struggle to afford three meals a day, highly educated individuals will think twice before coming back, unless they’re just trying to convince themselves they’re being patriotic.”
Peoplesmind
