Is Spending Billions on Studying Abroad Worth It for a Low-Paying Job?

Most families send their children to study abroad, spending millions of naira to ensure they study abroad. However, many of these students return to Nigeria only to start low-paying jobs, raising the big question: Is it really a wise decision or investment?

But If you are good enough to get a scholarship, it’s an incredible opportunity and valuable experience. But if not, studying here in Nigeria is just as worthwhile. Some people didn’t study abroad but somehow turned out fine in their respective careers.

However studying abroad is an investment in the future, and it only makes sense if it opens doors to opportunities you couldn’t get otherwise.

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But when students come back home after their studies abroad, they often struggle to compete with those who studied locally and are better grounded in Nigeria’s work environment. In those cases, the investment doesn’t yield the expected returns, and it can feel like the money spent was wasted.

So, rather than focusing solely on a foreign degree, it is better to invest in practical skills and professional certifications that directly enhance career prospects. Learning a new language, for instance, or gaining industry-recognised certifications from organisations like the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Google, or Microsoft would offer immediate benefits. These skills can give anyone an edge right here in Nigeria, preparing them for success without the need to go abroad.