In the pursuit of knowledge across various fields, Nigerian students studying abroad continue to face instances of racism, hostility, and, in some tragic cases, violence. Despite these challenges, the determination of the country’s youth remains steadfast, with an increasing number seeking educational opportunities in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Adaku Izunna, a master’s student in the United States, shared her experience of encountering racism in everyday situations. In a voicenote provided to Business Day, she expressed frustration at the preconceived notion that every black person is a potential thief, citing incidents in stores where she felt unfairly scrutinized during self-checkout.

Elizabeth Johnson, another master’s student in the U.S., highlighted the issue of racial bias in salary negotiations. Johnson, who often opts not to disclose her race, emphasized the challenges of being stereotyped based on her name and expressed the need to counter preconceived notions about her abilities.

John Doe, reflecting on his pursuit of a master’s degree in China, recounted instances of racism despite positive encounters with friendly locals. He described incidents of negative reactions in supermarkets and public transportation, shedding light on the complex and contradictory nature of racial experiences in different contexts within China.

The article also features the experiences of other Nigerian students, such as Olumide, who faced exclusion and bias within a study group, and Ife Ajayi, a legal practitioner who noted variations in the prevalence of racism between Canada and the UK.

Cecilia Umeh, currently studying in the UK, shared a distressing incident where a group of boys threw raw eggs at her during a stroll, indicating that challenges persist, albeit to varying degrees.

The testimonials reveal the multifaceted nature of racial experiences encountered by Nigerian students abroad, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and awareness to address these issues. Despite the hurdles, the commitment of these students to pursue education globally remains unyielding.