There’s this belief that once a Nigerian sets foot in Heathrow or JFK, a transformation happens. Suddenly, they are topping their class, outperforming the locals, and winning all the awards. We repeat these stories so often, you’d think every Nigerian abroad is a genius surrounded by average white people. But this isn’t just pride, it is delusion dressed in patriotism.
As UIMSAites, we often hear tales of our peers or seniors who travel abroad and achieve remarkable feats—acing exams, earning top grades or winning prestigious awards. These stories are inspiring, and they fuel a narrative that Nigerians who leave the shores of our country possess an exceptional ability to outperform others in foreign lands. But is this perception entirely accurate? While it’s true that many Nigerians abroad excel, the idea that they consistently perform better than others is an overhyped myth that deserves closer scrutiny.
The truth is, Nigerians don’t automatically become exceptional abroad. Many do very well, yes. But so do people from other countries. The “we’re better than everyone else” narrative ignores how diverse, competitive and skilled the rest of the world is.
Let’s examine this in detail.
Celebrating Success, But Seeing the Bigger Picture
Let’s start by acknowledging the accomplishments of Nigerians abroad, many of whom have made us proud. Take, for instance, the 148th convocation at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where 43 out of 96 graduating Doctor of Pharmacy candidates were Nigerians, sweeping 16 out of 27 awards. Or consider Emmanuel Ohuabunwa, who graduated with a near-perfect GPA from John Hopkins University, or Uwa Osamede Imafidon, who broke records at the University of Texas at Arlington. Let’s not forget our very own Dr Toluwalase, an Alumnus of Ibadan medicine. He has won several awards abroad, the most recent being the Dale Abel Award at the end of his Internal Medicine residency at Northwestern. This award is presented to a senior resident who exemplifies unparalleled mentorship in clinical skills, research, and community service. These are not isolated cases. Nigerians have shone in fields like medicine, engineering, and education across the globe.
However, this success is not unique to Nigerians. Students and professionals from countries like India, China, South Korea, and even other African nations like Ghana have equally impressive records. Indian students, for example, dominate engineering and computer science programs in the United States, while Chinese students lead in STEM research output. A report from the Financial Times highlights that highly educated immigrants from diverse backgrounds, not just Nigerians, excel in fields like medicine and music, driven by ambition and resilience. The spotlight on Nigerians may create an illusion of exceptionalism, but the reality is that success abroad is a shared trait among many immigrant communities.
Opportunity, Not Nationality, Drives Success
Why do Nigerians excel abroad? One might argue it’s our drive or work ethic, qualities we’re often praised for. Yet, this oversimplifies the story. Many Nigerians who study overseas come from backgrounds with access to resources—families who can afford international tuition or really outstanding students who are able to secure scholarships. A Medium article notes that upper-class Nigerians often send their children abroad, giving them a head start. This isn’t unique to us; it’s a pattern seen among international students globally.
Moreover, success abroad often hinges on opportunity and support systems. Universities like Howard or Johns Hopkins offer mentorship, funding, and networks that amplify individual effort. These structures benefit all students, not just Nigerians. To claim that our nationality alone sets us apart ignores the fact that students from Vietnam, Kenya, or Brazil thrive under similar conditions. As medical students, we know that excellence in exams or research isn’t a Nigerian trait but a product of preparation, opportunity, and grit, qualities shared across borders
What the Data Say
Let’s look at some numbers. According to the Migration Policy Institute, 61% of Nigerian-Americans over 25 hold a graduate degree, making them one of the most educated ethnic groups in the US. However, Indian-Americans surpass this with 70% holding bachelor’s degrees or higher, and Chinese-Americans are close behind. In the UK, a 2021 Office for National Statistics report showed that Nigerian students perform well in universities, with 68% achieving first-class or upper-second-class degrees. Yet, this is comparable to Indian (70%) and Chinese (66%) students, suggesting that Nigerians are competitive but not uniquely dominant.
The myth of our exceptional performance crumbles when we see it as part of a global trend of immigrant achievement.
The Real Question: Why Do We Need To Be Better?
Maybe we need to ask ourselves why we’re so obsessed with being “better than them” in the first place. Why is it not enough to say, “Nigerians are doing well abroad”? Why must we add, “…better than the people there”?
It often stems from a deep insecurity and a desire to prove that despite our chaotic government, broken systems, and underfunded schools, we’re still special. So, when one of us shines abroad, we inflate the story into proof that we all would shine if we had a better environment.
But here’s a thought: we don’t need to be “better” than anyone to be valuable. Competing with everyone else isn’t necessary for self-worth. Being excellent alongside others is just as valid. Nigerians abroad are doing well, yes. But they’re not always the best in their schools, offices, or industries. And that’s okay. Let’s stop measuring our identity by how much better we think we are than “them.” That kind of nationalism isn’t pride, it is pressure.
In the end, maybe the real flex is being good, not being better. And in a world full of brilliant minds, that should be more than enough.
In Conclusion…
So, where does this leave us? Nigerians abroad do excel, there’s no denying that. Our peers in medical schools overseas, winning awards or topping classes, inspire us back home at the University of Ibadan. But to say we perform better than others over there is an overgeneralization that risks overshadowing the diverse talents of the global community. Success isn’t a Nigerian monopoly; it’s a universal possibility shaped by effort, opportunity, and context.
As students of College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, let’s celebrate our colleagues abroad without feeding into the hype. Let’s also recognize that excellence isn’t bound by nationality. Whether in Lagos or London, it’s the same dedication that drives us all. By debunking this myth, we shift the focus to what truly matters: the shared pursuit of knowledge and impact, wherever we are in the world.
Oluwagbolade Ajiboro
