If Nigerian society can adopt and promote a system where hard work, expertise and skill are rewarded without dependence on luck, it will not only uplift the people but also lead to a more prosperous, inclusive society. Will promote. My hope is that one day, Nigerians can achieve professional growth and personal stability without feeling that their destiny depends on a lucky break or a privileged connection. Until then, the paradox of success in Nigeria will likely persist, prompting many to look beyond their borders for the opportunity of a more attainable and fulfilling life.
In Nigeria, professional success and economic stability can seem elusive even to the most skilled and educated people. While merit-based societies largely rely on hard work and skills as a way to upward social mobility, Nigerians often face systemic barriers that make progress not just based on merit but an extraordinary dose of luck. Also depends. This paradox is in stark contrast to my experiences living and studying in the United Kingdom, where I saw a society that consistently rewarded expertise and dedication. Considering these differences, as well as the frequent insights shared by my friend Dr. Usman Isyaku on social media, provides valuable perspective on why success in Nigeria is often equated with “luck.” These discussions have sparked considerable debate and they provide a personal perspective through which this entrenched mindset can be examined.
This week, I plan to focus on Isyaku's insights regarding merit and opportunity in Nigeria from a broader perspective. Next week, I intend to discuss more specifically the issues of patriotism and place, inspired by recent criticisms of Dr. Isyaku. Some have alleged that he took the Nigerian scholarship but failed to return to fulfill his bond, using this as a measure of his patriotism. Beyond these claims, I want to know why some scholars are unable to return to Nigeria after completing their training. Beyond returning to fulfill an obligation, ultimately, what constitutes a bond? Does returning in itself reflect patriotism, and in the context of Nigeria's current realities, does it really justify the advanced training received abroad?
It is important to say that merit in Nigeria is often influenced by social connections, political affiliations and family background, making the system seem designed to prevent even the most talented people from realizing their full potential. In more developed societies, skill and dedication usually pave the way for achievement, a paradox that Dr. Isyaku often highlights to inspire young Nigerians to move beyond a system that prioritizes preservation over talent. Is. He compares this to developed countries, where middle-class workers enjoy leisure independent of elite status or extraordinary fortune. For example, in the United Kingdom, owning a car, taking annual holidays, or buying a home, rather than being reserved for people in higher-paid sectors, is accessible to a wide range of middle-income earners, who woven into daily life.
However, in Nigeria, such facilities are reserved for an elite few. Roles in the upper echelons of government, positions in international oil corporations or connections to influential political figures are often seen as the only reliable routes to financial security. Although we can argue that hard work and perseverance can still lead to success, for most people the reality is far more complex. Structural challenges make it nearly impossible for many people to succeed without external, often arbitrary support, leading to the widespread belief that “luck” is essential.
The disparity becomes apparent when we consider Nigeria's middle class. For many Nigerians, securing a position in the civil service, the oil industry, or select sectors of a multinational company is often one of the few reliable paths to financial stability. Vacations abroad, new cars, or even home ownership are often out of reach for professionals in fields such as education, health care, or agriculture, regardless of their hard work or years of service. In contrast, these are attainable goals for their Western counterparts.
During my time in the United Kingdom, I was able to observe a society in which the middle class enjoys a certain level of financial security that is stable and predictable. The lifestyle enjoyed by middle-income families in the United Kingdom, such as annual holidays, comfortable housing and reliable healthcare, stands in stark contrast to the socio-economic reality of Nigeria. In Western societies, the existence of a secure middle class is much less dependent on one's connections, field of employment, or mere luck. School teachers, nurses, everyday government employees and university staff members in these countries often have access to benefits and opportunities that enable them to live comfortably and with dignity.
The disparity becomes apparent when we consider Nigeria's middle class. For many Nigerians, securing a position in the civil service, the oil industry, or select sectors of a multinational company is often one of the few reliable paths to financial stability. Vacations abroad, new cars, or even home ownership are often out of reach for professionals in fields such as education, health care, or agriculture, regardless of their hard work or years of service. In contrast, these are attainable goals for their Western counterparts. The mass exodus from Western airports or the bustling family activities that take place at European campsites during summer holidays demonstrate how easily Western middle-class families participate in these activities. This cultural norm is foreign to most Nigerian families, who view it as a luxury only the rich can obtain.
Dr. Isyaku often highlights how these inequalities fuel frustration among Nigerians, who find that their hard work rarely translates into a comfortable lifestyle. The unequal distribution of resources, combined with unreliable infrastructure, makes it challenging for most people to achieve financial security. Even people with advanced degrees and extensive professional experience often find themselves financially stressed due to these systemic barriers. I understand this struggle personally, as I have seen the stark difference between the opportunities available in Nigeria and developed countries.
In two recently published essays Premium TimesI challenged the notion that “luck” and “privilege” are necessary for success, arguing instead that hard work and resilience are important. Yet, I must acknowledge the structural difficulties that often make luck necessary in Nigeria. A well-educated Nigerian professional may still face financial struggles if he lacks connections or opportunities that are critical to success. Although it is sometimes possible to rise above one's circumstances, the need for some kind of luck or privilege cannot be completely discounted in a system that is often fraught with bureaucratic hurdles and socioeconomic barriers that deter even the most hard-working. It becomes a hindrance even for professionals.
Dr. Isyaku's argument for shifting to more qualitative societies is based on the idea that the middle class lifestyle, which is a norm in developed countries, remains aspirational in Nigeria. In contrast, in the West, professionals in fields ranging from education to health care can lead lifestyles typically associated with the top elite in Nigeria.
The situation in Nigeria raises questions about how we define success and how society can provide pathways for more people to succeed. In a largely merit-based system like the United Kingdom, career advancement and financial stability are achievable by most people who demonstrate ability and dedication. But in Nigeria, where basic amenities and infrastructure remain unreliable and where corruption often plays a significant role, the perception of success may be exclusive to those who have managed to overcome these obstacles.
Dr. Isyaku's argument for shifting to more qualitative societies is based on the idea that the middle class lifestyle, which is a norm in developed countries, remains aspirational in Nigeria. In contrast, in the West, professionals in fields ranging from education to health care can lead lifestyles typically associated with the top elite in Nigeria. This disparity emphasizes the challenges Nigerians face every day and emphasizes the systemic changes needed to allow a larger percentage of the population to experience the financial security that is common elsewhere.
Ultimately, the Nigerian system calls for a multidimensional approach to promote genuine, competency-based opportunities. But while individual effort is invaluable, it is clear that more needs to be done at the institutional level to reduce the socio-economic disparities that have left many Nigerians frustrated. To provide its people with a reliable, predictable path to success, Nigeria must adopt reforms that limit corruption, strengthen infrastructure and provide equal opportunities for advancement in all sectors. The experiences I have had in the United Kingdom offer a vision of what could have been possible for Nigerians if the socio-economic environment was more conducive to success.
If Nigerian society can adopt and promote a system where hard work, expertise and skill are rewarded without dependence on luck, it will not only uplift the people but also lead to a more prosperous, inclusive society. Will promote. My hope is that one day, Nigerians can achieve professional growth and personal stability without feeling that their destiny depends on a lucky break or a privileged connection. Until then, the paradox of success in Nigeria will likely persist, prompting many to look beyond their borders for the opportunity of a more attainable and fulfilling life.
Mohammed Dahiru Aminu (mohd.aminu@gmail.com) wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.
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