A Nigerian nurse based in the United Kingdom, Kevin Ossai, has urged Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad not to hesitate to sell personal property to fund their relocation — provided they have a verified and legitimate job offer.
Ossai, who currently works as a Health Protection Practitioner with Walsall Council in Lichfield, England, said in an interview that many Nigerians face harsh realities at home, and relocating remains a reasonable step for those seeking security, stable employment, and better living conditions.
According to him, “If the only thing standing between you and a verified job abroad is a car or a parcel of land, by all means, sell it and move.”
He explained that he personally did not have to sell property before relocating in 2019, as his relocation was sponsored due to the high global demand for nurses at the time. “The UK offered free flights, visa, accommodation for three months, and even a small start-up allowance,” he noted.
Ossai said his decision to leave Nigeria was driven by economic hardship, poor working conditions, and insecurity. “I was a contract staff earning far less than others. We used phone torches in the office because there was no electricity. Police harassment was routine. I couldn’t see any future under those conditions,” he said.
On Life in the Diaspora
Reacting to criticisms from some Nigerians that life abroad is not as easy as perceived, Ossai admitted that the UK has its challenges but insisted they are not as severe as in Nigeria.
“You may earn N1 million in Nigeria and own a house, but the government can demolish it overnight. There’s poor infrastructure, expensive data and diesel, and insecurity. Meanwhile, in the UK, I can drive at 2am and expect help if I break down,” he added.
On UK Immigration Policies
Ossai also commented on the UK’s recent clampdown on immigration, particularly through the health and care visa route. He acknowledged that the new rules, including a longer wait for permanent residency and stricter sponsorship scrutiny, are tough, but he urged Nigerians to understand that the UK government makes data-driven policy decisions.
“Many who came through the care visa brought dependents, straining resources. But these restrictions shouldn’t discourage those with legitimate plans. There are other countries still recruiting,” he said, naming Australia, Canada, Ireland, and Dubai as alternatives.
Nigerians and Low-Skilled Jobs in the UK
Addressing why British citizens rarely fill roles dominated by Nigerians, especially in health and social care, Ossai blamed the welfare system. “Some people get more from unemployment benefits than they would from low-paid jobs. So, many choose not to work,” he said.
He also noted that cultural differences in elder care contribute to the demand for foreign workers. “In Nigeria, families care for the elderly. Here, older people often live alone, and that creates demand for carers,” he said.
Racism and Knife Crime in the UK
Ossai described racism in the UK as “subtle,” often manifesting in social exclusion rather than open hostility. “You don’t hear racial slurs like in the past. But you might be treated coldly or unfairly without anyone saying why,” he explained.
On the spike in knife attacks, he attributed the trend to the unavailability of guns. “Knives are the next weapon of choice, especially for young people. Last year alone, there were nearly 50,000 knife-related attacks in the UK,” he said.
Final Advice to Nigerians
Ossai advised Nigerian professionals across all fields to prepare their credentials early for opportunities abroad. “Get your transcripts ready, take your qualifying exams, and keep your documents up to date. You never know when the opportunity will come,” he said.
Beyond healthcare, he encouraged migration preparation for engineers, lawyers, IT professionals, and journalists, stressing that relocation is not just about financial gain, but also about finding peace of mind.
Outside his work in health protection, Ossai is also a musician. “I’ve been playing the keyboard and drums since primary school. I recently recorded a song featuring Tunde from Styl-Plus,” he revealed.
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