Someone you know has left or is planning to leave. 1,000 Ways To Japa will speak to real people and explore the infinite number of reasons and paths they use to get to Japa.
Ibukun made up his mind to leave Nigeria in 2015, but finding an affordable school was the problem that kept him stuck till 2024. After applying to 65 postgraduate schools across 30 countries, he finally found a cheap Scottish university that made sense for the average-earning Nigerian. In this edition of 1K Ways to Japa, he breaks down the cost of studying in Scotland and why more Nigerians should consider it.
When did you leave Nigeria, and where do you currently reside?
I left Nigeria in September 2024. I live in Glasgow, Scotland.
Why did you decide to japa?
An old friend’s visit to Germany in 2015 inspired me to japa; she visited Germany for a conference, and when she returned to Nigeria, she had so many stories to tell. It felt like she had seen a different side of life, and I wanted to experience it, too.
I started by applying for scholarships because I’m from a humble background. I didn’t eventually get any scholarship, and it’s interesting because I was helping some friends apply to schools at the time, and they all ended up travelling before me.
How did that happen?
I knew a lot about the international college application process, so I was the go-to guy when my friends decided to apply. But unlike me, they weren’t waiting for scholarships; their parents had enough money to sponsor them, so they left the country as soon as they gained admission into those universities.
That must have been tough.
Not really. I had been trying to leave Nigeria since 2015, so I had experienced a good number of disappointments that helped me grow a thick skin. I applied for literally anything and everything that could take me out of Nigeria. I started with the South Korean government scholarship then, I tried China, Taiwan, Sweden, and Hungary. I also tried Greece, Vietnam, Poland, and Estonia. I actually applied to at least 65 postgraduate schools in 30 different countries.
You were really serious about japa-ing
It was a serious mission. I tried France and other countries, too. Sometime in June 2024, my elder sister pitied me and decided to sponsor me. She was in Scotland then, so I did my research and found Glasgow Caledonian University.
What’s special about Glasglow Caledonian Univerisity?
It’s one of the cheapest universities in Scotland. The school offers a scholarship of £4,000 for applicants with second-class upper and £3,000 for second-class lower applicants. They also allow you to spread your tuition payment across your study period.
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Did your relocation to Scotland meet your expectations?
To be honest, I just wanted to leave Nigeria. I’m happy in Scotland and most likely would be happy anywhere that isn’t Nigeria. Back in Nigeria, I was doing a sales job with crazy targets. I didn’t feel like the role aligned with the kind of life I wanted, so when my sister proposed the move to Scotland, it felt like a perfect escape.
Since I moved here, I’ve been living my dreams. I watched a live match at the stadium, and I’m now taking some IT courses after school hours at a training centre.
Why are you studying IT on the side?
I’m studying business management in school, and I’m not sure how sustainable it is since I don’t intend to manage any business. On the other hand, IT offers more opportunities in any part of the world, so I might as well kill two birds with one stone.
That’s actually smart. What are some of the culture shocks you’ve experienced so far?
I underestimated how cold Scotland is. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into until I landed at the airport. The only reason I didn’t freeze too badly was because my sister brought a jacket for me.
They also have seasonal shorter days and longer nights here. In October, the sun was setting around 4:30 pm. The Scottish accent is another thing I find confusing. I never doubted my English proficiency until I moved here, but their accent can be confusing. I’ve also not seen any Toyota Corolla since I moved here. The cars I see on the street are brands I’ve never seen.
LMAO. Are you still living with your sister?
Yes. It was cool at first, but now, there’s a bit of tension. I’m planning to move out. I’ve got my space already.
Did something happen?
It’s nothing serious. She wants me to get a caregiver job, but that’s not what I want to do. She’s trying to protect me and ensure I don’t eventually have to move back to Nigeria, but sometimes it can come off the wrong way. We’re going to be okay, though.
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I wish you the best. How happy are you in Scotland?
I’m really happy here. It’s much better than living in Nigeria, and I see myself settling here.
Want to to share your japa story? Please reach out to me here.
