Global exposure and the hypocrisy of the Nigerian elite

The year was 2005, and I found myself at a pivotal moment in my career. Having secured admission for a Master’s degree in the UK, I tendered my resignation from a tech firm in Abuja. My boss, seemingly concerned, escalated the matter to the managing director. Called into his office, I listened as the MD earnestly urged me to reconsider. A Master’s, he argued, wasn’t truly worth it; I’d be better off dedicating myself to building my career right here in Nigeria. His reasoning was surprisingly persuasive, and given the power differential, it almost convinced me to abandon my plans.

However, a lingering doubt prompted me to consult my uncle, whose wisdom proved invaluable. He pointed out two crucial, yet easily overlooked, facts: firstly, the MD himself had pursued both his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in the UK. Secondly, my uncle explained that the exposure gained from studying abroad – beyond the mere qualification – would unlock a myriad of opportunities I couldn’t yet foresee. This clarifying conversation emboldened me to stick to my original course. Looking back nearly two decades later, through career shifts and challenges, I can affirm with absolute certainty: my uncle was right.

This personal experience unveiled an uncomfortable truth about Nigeria: a disturbing pattern exists where those who have directly benefited from opportunities abroad are often the most vocal in discouraging others from pursuing similar paths.

“Stay and Suffer” – The Contradiction in Nigerian Mentorship

This profound hypocrisy manifests in various facets of Nigerian life. A recent online exchange brought this sharply into focus when Temidayo Oniosun, a Nigerian professional, lamented the perceived stagcountry of talented Nigerians abroad: “Some of our brightest minds are wasting away in the UK waiting for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), and it’s sad to see. People that are supposed to be building next-generation companies are comfortable with entry/mid-level roles in some unknown company in the UK, and we act like everything is fine.” His plea appeared to be a patriotic call for Nigerians to remain home and contribute to national development rather than “settling for less” overseas.

Yet, his argument was swiftly dismantled by Victor Adeleye, who exposed a glaring contradiction. Adeleye highlighted Oniosun’s own educational journey: “You finished your Master’s in 2020 and opted for your PhD in the US in 2021, which you finished last November. You currently work as a Research Affiliate for a US-based lab.” Adeleye pointedly questioned the double standard: “The same you that said people should not work for UK companies while trying to build their businesses. In the last five years, you’ve probably spent more than four years outside Nigeria… and here you are, advising talents to stay and build.”

Adeleye’s retort cut to the heart of the matter: “Talents go where they are valued and appreciated. They are not wasting away, Doctor. That’s a wrong thing to say. A lot of them are building from where they are and that’s okay.” Why, Adeleye queried, is it deemed acceptable for some to seek global exposure and opportunity, yet deemed ‘wasting away’ or somehow ‘wrong’ for others?

The “Pull Up the Ladder” Mentality
This self-serving mindset extends beyond individual social media spats; it is a systemic issue. We observe it in various segments of Nigerian leadership.

Consider the Nigerian politician who vociferously preaches the importance of “local content” and urges young Nigerians to remain in the country, stressing the need to “build Nigeria.” It starts from the very top. Two of our President’s six children still live in the US. Their brother moved back to Nigeria in 2022, just in time for their Dad’s run to Aso Rock, but their father routinely exhorts Nigerians to sacrifice for the country he presides over, with its high cost of living.

It is not only Bola Tinubu. It is an open secret that all of our political elite have their children enrolled in prestigious universities abroad, and in many cases, they settle into lives in foreign countries. Their public pronouncements starkly contrast with their private choices for their families, creating a palpable sense of betrayal among those they seek to influence.

Similarly, there are Nigerian business leaders who frequently deliver rousing speeches about the vast investment opportunities within Nigeria and the imperative for its citizens to invest their talents and resources domestically. These same individuals, however, are often known to possess substantial financial assets, properties, and even secondary residences in major global cities, as well as second passports. They safeguard their wealth outside the very economy they champion for others. The message implicitly sent is: “Invest your future here, but I will secure mine elsewhere.”

And then there’s the Nigerian academic who, having obtained their own advanced degrees from esteemed foreign universities, now argues that Nigerian degrees are superior or that studying abroad is an unnecessary extravagance for younger generations. They might insist that the quality of education available locally is more than sufficient, effectively dismissing the very pathway that afforded them their own elevated status and intellectual capital. The implicit directive is: “I went abroad and benefited, but you should not.”

The underlying message from these examples is consistently clear: “I benefited from going abroad, or securing my interests externally, but you should stay and struggle.”

Why This Hypocrisy Hurts Nigeria

This deeply ingrained hypocrisy inflicts severe damage on the fabric of Nigerian society.

This dynamic breeds deep distrust among Nigeria’s ambitious youth. When they see their mentors, leaders, and role models championing routes they themselves bypassed, it utterly shatters any existing trust. This leads to a cynical view of advice, as they begin to believe that opportunities are either being deliberately hidden or misrepresented. Such an erosion of trust makes genuine mentorship and collaborative progress incredibly difficult to achieve.

Furthermore, it significantly fuels brain drain. Talented individuals aren’t just leaving for better salaries or infrastructure; often, they’re searching for environments where their ambition isn’t stifled by gatekeepers and their efforts are genuinely valued. When people feel that their own success is being intentionally blocked by those who have already achieved it, the incentive to leave becomes overwhelming.

Ultimately, this behaviour stunts the country’s growth. A country that actively discourages its brightest minds from gaining global exposure, learning international best practices, and experiencing diverse perspectives will inevitably struggle to compete effectively on the world stage. Innovation, economic diversification, and intellectual advancement are all curtailed when access to broader opportunities is limited by a self-serving few.

A Better Way Forward

Nigeria is in dire need of honesty and genuine leadership to combat the pervasive hypocrisy that plagues the country. Those who have achieved success, especially through international exposure or external security, play a crucial role.

Firstly, they should acknowledge the pivotal role global exposure played in their own achievements. This transparency can serve as a genuine source of inspiration, rather than misleading the populace.

Secondly, it’s imperative that they actively advocate for systemic improvements within Nigeria. This means championing better education, robust infrastructure, good governance, and the creation of authentic opportunities that can truly retain and attract talent.

Finally, instead of shaming individuals who seek growth abroad, they should offer support and encouragement. Simultaneously, they should foster an environment that encourages these individuals to bring back their enhanced skills, valuable networks, and potential investments, thereby contributing significantly to Nigeria’s development.

Nigerians should be free to pursue opportunities wherever they find them – whether within the country or internationally – without being guilt-tripped or deliberately misled by those who have already benefited from the same pathways. True national progress does not emerge from pulling up the ladder behind oneself, but from actively helping others climb it too. After all, if foreign exposure and external opportunities were good enough for you, why shouldn’t they be for the next generation?

Nwanze is a partner at SBM Intelligence