What are we really promoting?

To all returnees, I want to start off by commending your efforts. To summon the courage and make the decision to leave your country of birth or where you spent the majority of your life is not an easy thing to do. Nonetheless, despite the negative press, a business environment that is completely different to that in Europe, and a scanty infrastructure you went ahead and the majority of you have been able to not only create sustainable livelihoods but make a profound impact in your chosen industries.

There have been numerous success stories, which make me beam from ear to ear whenever I read. We Nigerians are a remarkable people of substance. Our resilience, determination, and dedication is proof of this. Moreover, it is a combination of these traits that have allowed us to grow from strength to strength in what is described as a backward society.

My senior pupils and I tend to have discussions on Nigerian returnees (also known as IJGBs) every so often. We discuss industries from entertainment, right through to finance and hospitality. They ask questions about my trips to Lagos and express interest in relocating also. Several returnees are mentioned, although it is the popular 'IT' girls and fashionistas that are mentioned most frequently - Some of whom I do not consider ideal role models. On occasion I mention an entrepreneur's name and they respond with 'miss who's that?'

At times I feel slightly discouraged that my students emulate individuals who's lifestyles are not idea; for growing minds. To give you a rough idea I shall list some of their common characteristics below:

• Thousands of followers on Instagram/youtube
• Hair/weave sellers
• Makeup artists
• Fair in complexion 
• Artists/Rappers
• Display luxury lifestyles

I am not here to name drop or discredit any person, and we must also remember that there are several credible individuals's within these industries in Nigeria, take Asa for example. However, the artists mentioned by my students in the classroom are not comparable to Asa in any way.

Now my question to those who appear to be 'chopping life' or 'living the dream', other than Instagram likes what value have you actually added? You left the developed world and moved to a developing country. What have you changed since you returned? Can people define what you do? (As in what you actually do lol). I am very sorry to say this and I will probably be labeled but in my eyes, the fact that you have twenty thousand followers on Instagram does not make you successful. My students reckon they are successful and idolise them. This set of returnees are sending out a subconscious message that education is of little or no significance and perpetuate an image that puts immediate gratification at the forefront of personal development. These teenagers want it all... The business class trips to Dubai, luxury designer handbags, footware and the latest Range Rover Sport.

'Mans about that GWAG life, dun know' shouts one of my year 10 students.

'Miss I heard Nigeria's live you know. Apparently, you can get bare p for just sitting down in hotel lobbies and man just walks up to you and drops 20k on the table cos he likes what your wearing'.

I could go on...

My point is there is a young generation of Nigerians both at home and in diaspora who are watching and can see the societal decadence unfold before their very eyes. What is most frightening is these students are the potential leaders of tomorrow... Adopting values like those listed above will only keep Nigeria in its present condition which will only spell misery for the future.

Food for thought?

@_ijustgotback_