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.
Aisha (23) had only one goal after she completed her NYSC – escape Nigeria’s failing system. Her search for the cheapest schools in the UK drove her transition into public health. In this edition of 1k Ways to Japa, she shares how she secured a partially-funded scholarship and moved to the UK.
Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?
I’m in Newport, Wales. I left Nigeria on January 28, 2025.
Japa class of 2025! Why did you decide to relocate?
I knew that I needed to leave Nigeria when I finished NYSC in 2024. Nothing works in that country. But I didn’t know I’d happen as fast as it did.
I relocated to get a master’s degree, and I didn’t want to go to a school or study a course that would leave my parents in debt. I got three offers from different schools—one in Wales and two in London. I chose Wales because it’s more affordable.
Cool. What are you studying now?
I’m studying Public Health. My first degree was in physiology, but I wanted to transition into nursing. However, the cost of studying nursing in the UK was about £25,000, while public health was £16,000. The school offered me a £4000 scholarship and said I could pay half of my tuition and spread the outstanding payment across the duration of my programme.
How’s the programme going?
Pretty well. I’d have preferred to study nursing, but it wasn’t possible at the time because of how expensive it was. Public health is just as great. I can work in several health-related sectors, be a health promotion officer, or do anything else. My physiology degree couldn’t do much in Nigeria, so I’m grateful to be in a country that has more regard for health workers.
Can you explain how you applied for this course and processed your relocation?
I started by researching affordable schools in the UK. Then, I wrote my statement of purpose for each school, got my reference letters and applied in September 2024. I got responses from the schools in October. I didn’t need to write the IELTS test because the school didn’t require one, so things were easier.
I was carrying my parents along throughout the entire process. So when the offer came, we knew how much we had to pay and forward the required fees to my aunt in London. My aunt made the payment for me, and I booked my tuberculosis test for the next day. A month later, I applied for my visa, and I received it in two days. I didn’t realise how much things would change until my mum started reminding me of things we needed to buy and do. Then things started feeling real.
Can you share the name of your school and give me a cost breakdown of how much it took to relocate?
I go to the University of South Wales. My school fee is £16,000, while my visa application was around ₦44,000. I also had to present a proof of funds document to prove I had enough money in my bank account to cover tuition and living fees. Then, I paid my immigration health surcharge —around £1,500. Because of my scholarship, I ended up resuming at the school with a deposit of £6,000. So the whole process cost me about ₦18 million (flight ticket inclusive)
Thank you. How’s life in the UK going?
When I got here, I wondered what I had gotten myself into.
What happened?
The cold was insane. I had heard the gist of how cold the UK is, but you can’t understand how bad it is till you get here. I started reconsidering my life choices when I stepped out of the airport. I wore a winter jacket, hoodie and socks, yet I was freezing. In Nigeria, I was the girl who couldn’t survive without air conditioners. I got to the UK and started wishing for heat.
But something I’m growing to love about this place is how much they mind their business. It is also surprising that the sun sets around 5:30 PM here. Aside from those facts, the UK still feels like Nigeria. Most of my classmates are Nigerians, so I don’t necessarily feel homesick.
Have you made new friends?
I don’t make friends easily, but I’ve found a few people to attend church with.
Do you feel like you’re exactly where you should be?
I go anywhere the money is. Nigeria has affected me in many ways, so I’d rather live in a country that allows me to make something of my life.
I hear that. On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you in the UK?
It’s 7.5. I miss my family, and I wish they could join me here
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