What to expect as a teacher in Nigeria
If you decide to teach in Nigeria you should expect the unexpected and to abandon your pre-conceived notions about the country and the people. Nigeria is one of the largest and most prosperous of the sub-Sahara African countries, thanks to large oil reserves yet it is still a developing country. As such, you can find great prosperity and great poverty in a very short span of time. Nigerians are welcoming, ambitious, happy and accommodating – teachers who make the move to Nigeria are surprised with what they find.
Schools in Nigeria often serve a largely Nigerian population, and often have a boarding facility. In large cities such as Lagos or Abuja, you will probably have access to a school car and driver and whilst this seems a luxury (and it is!) you will soon realise that it’s a very handy thing to have in this still developing country. Culturally, international schools can reflect Nigerian attitudes and beliefs to a greater or lesser extent, but most teachers find that living in this lively African country amongst this very enterprising and welcoming around.
Salaries are often higher in Nigeria than in other African countries, and a good portion of your Nigerian salary may be paid into your home account and not taxed, which teachers can save and usually don’t have to access, and a much smaller portion of your salary is paid in taxed local Naira currency for living expenses. Housing is always provided, and a car and driver may also be a part of the package. Domestic help is very cheap and most teachers pay for a cleaner, and sometimes even a cook.
Teaching in Nigeria is a great choice for teachers who are adventurous but also who enjoy an easy lifestyle and good savings potential.
About Nigeria
Captial: Abuja
Language: English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani
Population: 135 million
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa and it is the sixth largest oil producing nation in the world due to its recent discovery of oil. It borders Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin.
Nigeria has a stunning coastline, vast national parks, tropical forest, waterfalls and a glimpse into the traditional way of African life.
Unfortunately, these are constantly overshadowed by talks of violence within the country. It is true, that violence does still occur and it is important to look into each area within Nigeria carefully and have a full understanding of the situation before going. Most areas of unrest are in the Niger Delta region, far away from international schools in Lagos and Abuja. Nigeria is actually full of friendly and welcoming host nationals, who were voted "The happiest people on earth".
"I was met at the airport at 4:30am by my driver and one of the secretaries - both beaming and so kind. The house was being cleaned when I arrived and there was food laid in for my arrival. Profuse apologies about things not being ready - I have a cleaner/house-maid and a driver.
I was taken shopping (a bundle of Naira notes awaited me on arrival) Lagos traffic can be manic but then so can any large city and Lagos has about 18 million inhabitants. There is a new Spar supermarket not too far away, I've been to a few of the usual ex-pat haunts, Italian coffee shop, Lebanese patiserisserie, KFC, as well as the local market. School is vibrant and aims to be in the top 5 in West Africa by 2015!
British teacher in Nigeria
Climate
The climate varies between the north and the south of the country. The south tends to experience more hot and humid weather than the north. The south's rainy season is from March through to November, and the north's is from July through to September.
Activities
There are a few national and game parks where you view some of Africa's most famed wildlife. There are stunning white sand beaches along Nigeria's long coastline, and even a Gorilla camp up in the Nigerian countryside.
Transport
Buses and taxis are the main form of transport. There are no trains running, only cargo trains and boats are quite rare.
Eating and Drinking
Meals in Nigeria are usually rice or bean based with a meat accompaniment. You will also find soup and stews, yams, sweet potatoes among the regular dishes as well.
Currency
The currency in Nigeria is the Naira (NGN)