Why Many Nigerians in Australia Don’t Return Home — Do
Dr. Uchechukwu Osuagwu, President of the American Academy of Optometry, African Chapter, recently shared insights into his journey from Nigeria to Australia and explained why many Nigerians who relocate to the country find it difficult to travel back home.
In a conversation with BIODUN BUSARI, Osuagwu spoke about his upbringing in Aba, South-East Nigeria, where he grew up alongside his parents and five siblings. He recalled a modest but meaningful childhood, saying it was an environment that shaped his persistence and resilience. “I grew up in an environment where giving up wasn’t an option,” he recounted.
After completing his education in Aba, Port Harcourt, and Abia State University, Osuagwu served in Akwa Ibom and Taraba States for his internship and National Youth Service Corps programme. He later moved to Lagos to work and sustain himself, often relying on his musical talent to make ends meet during his university days.
Interestingly, a career in optometry was not his initial ambition. He always aspired to become a medical doctor but couldn’t secure the required admission points. Despite his father’s wishes, he accepted a transfer from botany to optometry during his university years and soon developed a passion for the profession. “I told him I liked optometry, and the rest is history,” he noted.
Speaking on his relocation journey, Osuagwu revealed that Australia wasn’t a destination he initially planned. After working in Saudi Arabia and pursuing a master’s degree in the United Kingdom, he was offered a partially funded PhD scholarship in the UK, which he declined due to financial concerns. A fully funded PhD opportunity in Australia presented itself, prompting him and his wife to make the move — a decision he has not regretted. He described Australia as a peaceful, opportunity-filled nation with a high-quality education system and a supportive environment for families.
Addressing the common belief that Nigerians who relocate to Australia seldom return home, Osuagwu clarified, “It’s not a myth, it is real. It’s not that you don’t want to come back.” He explained that the prohibitive travel costs are a major factor, citing that a return ticket could cost up to $8,000, compared to about £190 from the UK. Additionally, a trip back home often requires budgeting £10,000 to £15,000 for family expenses alone. “If you have to save close to $20,000 or $30,000 and spend it on just one trip, that’s a huge commitment,” he added.
Another issue, according to Osuagwu, is the state of affairs in Nigeria. Many in the diaspora long to visit home, but without visible improvements in governance, opportunities, and infrastructure, the motivation dwindles. “If Nigeria were getting better and people were seeing opportunities and a future there, they would come back,” he remarked.
As for opportunities available to Nigerians in Australia, Osuagwu noted that the country’s workforce has gaps that migrants can fill, particularly in healthcare, IT, and skilled trades like car painting, mechanics, and cooking. He emphasized that meeting age and English language proficiency requirements opens doors for professionals and artisans alike.
He also shed light on why Australia faces staff shortages, linking it to its vast landmass and many remote communities with limited access to healthcare. The country’s ageing population and a comfortable welfare system for locals have also contributed to the manpower gaps. “Many locals are already well-off. Some receive government support even without working, so they may not have the same drive as migrants,” he explained.
On a lighter note, Osuagwu talked about dealing with Australia’s wildlife, including snakes and reptiles. He admitted he hasn’t seen any inside his home since moving in 2014, although certain areas are more prone to encounters. Interestingly, he pointed out that some Australians keep reptiles as pets, while dangerous species like brown snakes are handled by professional snake catchers rather than being killed. “They don’t even kill them because snakes play a role in the ecosystem; they help control other animals that may be more harmful than they are,” he stated.
