Surviving in UK tough, I struggled to pay school fees — Nigerian woman

Nigerian woman, Yetti Tabai, speaks with BIODUN BUSARI about her years of struggle as an undergraduate in the United Kingdom and her resilience to succeed

What inspired your decision to leave Nigeria at such a young age?

I left Nigeria for the United Kingdom to study when I was 15. I graduated from secondary school in Nigeria at the age of 14. I came to the United Kingdom hoping to get admission to a university. However, I was told that at age 15, I couldn’t gain admission to a university in the UK. So, I needed to go back to secondary school. It was a disappointment for me that I couldn’t start university, and as such, I had to go back to Year 11, which is the same as SSS3 in Nigeria. That was my initial frustration, as I had to study again everything I had already learnt in Nigeria. I thought that was the end, but after finishing SSS3, I was told I would have to pass my A Levels for two years before proceeding to university. This meant I spent three years studying similar subjects to those I studied in Nigeria.

Consequently, the people I graduated with from secondary school would be finishing university while I was in Year 1. That was my initial frustration and the reason for my delay. I got admission to London Metropolitan University to study Law and International Relations. In the middle of that, I moved to Luton to study the same Law, and I graduated from Bedfordshire University.

How long have you stayed in the UK and what is the experience like so far?

Most of my experiences during my time as a university student were hardships, particularly in terms of working multiple jobs to afford my fees. I initially thought I would receive a student loan as a British citizen, but my application was refused. It was then that I realised I needed to work two jobs to pay my university fees. I initially worked at McDonald’s and then at Nando’s. This meant I had to miss many lectures as I needed to work seven days a week, from noon to midnight. Consequently, I had to rely on online study despite being enrolled in a full-time degree programme. This affected my grades due to low attendance, but it was the only way I could afford my fees.

I worked seven days a week and saved money to pay for rent and tuition fees. At one point, I could not afford bus fare to and from the university. I saved up for about three months to buy a bicycle for £70, which allowed me to commute to school. Now, things have eventually worked out. What seemed so difficult at that time was the rigid educational system, but I overcame it eventually. I know better now.

What key factors have contributed to your success in the UK?

Working hard was my only option; failure was never a consideration. During my years of pursuing my degree, I made sure I was always studying. I worked hard to afford the things I needed. Having a reliable network of people was helpful, but it’s important to understand that others also have challenges. There weren’t many people to borrow from, which meant I had to work hard to afford what I needed in life. I didn’t let the challenges I faced deter me from my goals. Whether it took one year, two years, or three years to achieve them, I remained patient. I didn’t pressure myself by comparing my progress to others. The fact that my peers were achieving things didn’t make me borrow money to reach my goals faster. If it took forever, I would take my time and achieve it in God’s time. Through this hard work, I obtained an education and a job in information technology. I also opened a food business in Milton Keynes in 2023 and another in Manchester in 2018. It has been a journey of growth, diligence, and resilience.

How did you balance pursuing a law degree, a music career, and managing your restaurants?

After finishing my law degree, I did not proceed to practice law. Instead, I went into IT, which was earning me more money than what lawyers used to make back in the day. The money I made in IT was what I invested to start my restaurants. While starting my restaurant business, I also delved into music.

What is the difference between Nigeria and the UK?

The difference is that one place is hot and the other is very cold. Apart from weather differences, we are talking about how far your money can go and the network of people. In the UK, you don’t have a huge network of people to rely on. When you come to the UK, you need to understand that whatever goals you have, you might need to work on them by yourself because you don’t have a next-door neighbour who you can leave your children with. It is a very isolated kind of life in the UK. Of course, you would have friends now and then, but it’s not like Nigeria where it is very community-based. Sometimes, it can become lonely when you don’t know the people around you. Even if you know people, most are working and doing shifts around the clock, so you don’t have time to spend with them. In Nigeria, it is almost common knowledge that most people are free at the weekends. It is now a question of where you are going to hang out with them. So, there are a lot of huge cultural differences between the UK and Nigeria.

How do British people generally perceive Nigerians, and how does this affect relationships between the two communities?

I think the British people have observed that Nigerians are resilient and hardworking. They recognise that Nigerians excel in education, frequently achieving First Class honours. In their healthcare sector, many doctors, nurses, and care assistants are Nigerians, showcasing their brilliance. Therefore, British people appreciate having Nigerians in their workforce because they value the rewards of hard work. However, some British people perceive Nigerians as competitors for jobs, given their reputation for diligence and determination.

How does the British government’s approach to assisting its people set an example that the Nigerian government could learn from?

The British government provides a plethora of networks for grants, funding, support, and advice for its people. Here in the UK, we have something called the Citizens Advice Bureau. You can walk in there and receive free legal advice. There are numerous places you can visit, like local libraries, where you’ll find leaflets to assist with various issues. Whether you’re dealing with landlord disputes, financial struggles, or contemplating suicide, there are resources available to guide you toward better decisions. The British government has considered every possible scenario its citizens might face and has established hubs where people can seek help, all provided free of charge. While the British community can be isolating for foreigners, information is readily accessible everywhere. It’s up to individuals to tap into these resources, including funding, grants, and benefits, by conducting their research and completing applications independently. Rather than waiting for others to assist, individuals are encouraged to be proactive in seeking support. I believe this proactive approach, with readily available help and information centres, is something I would like to see implemented by the Nigerian government to support its citizens effectively.

Does the Japa syndrome ever bother you?

It concerns everyone, including the British government and immigration officers, because it has pros and cons. Many people have been caught in the whirlwind of paying high fees to come to the UK, and these fees are constantly changing. Initially, it was £15,000, but now they’ve raised it to £23,000, and I think the Prime Minister recently increased it again. It’s not easy money; even £15,000 is a significant amount.

The Japa syndrome has been beneficial in terms of many Nigerians coming to the UK to study and improve their lives. However, policy changes have also adversely affected those who left Nigeria with plans for a better life. They sold property in Nigeria, hoping to study in the UK and eventually return to Nigeria. But with constant changes in educational landscapes and fees, their goals and plans are disrupted, making it difficult for them to leave the UK and even harder to consider staying.

These changes affect everyone: Nigerians who stay, those who can return, and those who might have planned to transition to other countries, as these endeavours require financial stability.

How do you emotionally respond to both positive and negative news reports concerning Nigeria?

When I hear positive reports, it makes me excited to know that my country is improving. And when I hear negative reports, of course, I feel sad. Every Independence Day reminds me of what I want Nigeria to become versus its current state.

What are your thoughts on the policies implemented by the former UK Prime Minister?

He did the best he could during his time, and I can only hope that the new Prime Minister offers more favourable policies for immigrants or those in the diaspora. That’s what I can say about that. Nigerians and other foreigners hope for the best, and we hope to have good representation in Parliament to express our concerns.

Do British customers frequent your kitchen?

Ninety-five per cent of my customers are British which tells me that our food is going far and wide.

How has your family supported you, and do you have any investments in Nigeria?

I currently invest in Nigeria because I believe it will be better and greater. The last time I was in Nigeria, the airport was lovely and amazing. Not a lot of people were asking for tips. They let you travel in peace. The air-conditioning and the baggage trolley were working and Nigeria is becoming great. My family has helped me so far. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of those things without the support of my family.