By Uloma Eze
Welcome to Nigeria, where talent is abundant, dreams are big, and expectations? Even bigger. A land where your success is measured not by personal fulfillment but by how quickly you can afford to spray money at weddings. A place where ambition is respected—but only if it follows the “approved” script: Go to school, graduate, get a job (preferably in a bank or oil company), get married, and flex on your neighbors.
But here’s the truth—this mentality is holding you back. And if we don’t address it, we’ll keep running in circles, like traffic at Oshodi during rush hour.
1. The “Certificate Is Everything” Mindset
In Nigeria, your degree is a status symbol, but what happens when it’s just a piece of paper? We’ve been raised to believe that education is the ultimate key to success, yet the real world proves otherwise. The richest people in the country are not necessarily the ones with the highest degrees, but the ones who adapted, innovated, and took risks. The future belongs to those who can think beyond their certificates and develop real-world skills that actually pay the bills.
2. The “Suffering Must Be Part of the Story” Belief
If it’s not hard, then it’s not worth it—at least, that’s what they’ve told us. Nigerians romanticize suffering like it’s a necessary ingredient for success. You must “hustle” from dawn till dusk, endure toxic workplaces, and struggle endlessly before you earn your breakthrough. But let’s be real: Working smart is just as important as working hard. Your journey doesn’t have to be full of pain for it to be valid. Work smart, leverage technology, and create opportunities that don’t require unnecessary suffering.
3. The “What Will People Say?” Syndrome
A silent killer of dreams. You want to start a YouTube channel, but “what will people say?” You want to quit your boring 9-5 and chase your passion, but “how will society see you?” Nigeria is a country where external validation often takes priority over personal happiness. But guess what? People will always talk—whether you succeed or fail. So, why not do what actually makes you happy?
4. The “Only Big Dreams Are Worth It” Mentality
Everybody wants to be the next Dangote, the next Wizkid, the next big thing. But sometimes, the best way to win is to start small. Nigeria discourages small beginnings—if you’re not making millions immediately, it’s seen as a waste of time. But some of the most successful businesses today started from the smallest ideas. It’s okay to start where you are, with what you have. Stop waiting for the perfect moment; build something now.
5. The “Quick Money or Nothing” Attitude
Scammers, Ponzi schemes, and “fast money” culture have taken over. Many young Nigerians no longer believe in long-term success. If it’s not making you rich overnight, it’s not worth it. This mindset is why so many people fall for “invest 50k, get 500k in a week” scams. Real success takes time. Sustainable wealth is built with patience, strategy, and consistency.
6. The “Success Is One-Dimensional” Perspective
If you’re not a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or oil company executive, are you even successful? Nigeria has a rigid definition of success, ignoring that creatives, digital entrepreneurs, and innovators are shaping the future. The world has changed—there’s money in coding, content creation, digital marketing, and countless other fields that our parents never considered. Success is no longer about following a specific path; it’s about carving your own.
Breaking Free from the Mental Chains
The Nigerian mentality is strong, deeply ingrained, and passed down through generations. But the future belongs to those who dare to think differently. It’s time to unlearn these limiting beliefs, challenge the status quo, and redefine success on your own terms.
So, next time someone asks, “What will people say?” reply with: “They’ll say I made it.”
featured image by Muhammad-Taha Ibrahim
