In a typical Nigerian home, Nigerian parents have some certain expectations which you are obliged to meet after you graduate from a university or even a polytechnic.
These expectations vary among families and individuals; however, these five are common and from my personal experience.
1. Nigerian parents are wont to turn you into the family’s ATM
Having graduated, you’re now expected to have a bottomless pit of wealth, and your parents will stop at nothing to tap into it. Suddenly, you’re the go-to ATM for everything from school fees for your younger siblings to the “small” loan they just need for a “tiny” investment. Your bank account is now the family bank, and there’s no overdraft limit for parental love.
2. They want you to find love faster than your internet connection
You’ve graduated, so clearly the next logical step is to find a partner, settle down, and produce the next generation of super-achievers. Never mind that you’ve been too busy memorizing quadratic equations to master the art of dating. But according to Nigerian parental logic, the wedding bells should be ringing before your university degree even has a chance to collect dust.
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3. Nigerian parents begin to trust you to expertly navigate family politics
You’re not just a graduate; you’re now a family diplomat. Nigerian parents expect you to smoothly handle and defuse any and all family conflicts that arise. Your negotiation skills are suddenly put to the test as you’re asked to mediate between feuding cousins, siblings, and generations-old disagreements.
4. Your degree comes with hosting lavish family gatherings
With your new graduate status, you might suddenly find yourself responsible for hosting extravagant family gatherings, complete with a feast fit for a king. Whether it’s a reunion, a wedding, or a simple get-together, your parents might look to you to provide the venue, the food, and the entertainment.
5. Nigerian parents expect you to have mastered the art of owning a business
Your parents believe in you, and that means they believe you can single-handedly start a business that rivals Dangote Group. Never mind if your idea involves selling hand-knitted socks for hamsters. You are now the designated family entrepreneur, and the next board meeting might just be at the dining table.
Remember, these expectations often stem from a place of love, pride, and sometimes, cultural norms. Nigerian parents genuinely want the best for their children and often see their success as a reflection of their parenting. So, while some of these expectations might seem amusing or even overwhelming, they’re a testament to the high hopes parents hold for their graduate children.
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