rebranded:

One thing you should know about returning to Nigeria, you need a well paying job so as to at least buy the comfort you are used to over there in the UK or else you might not entirely enjoy it. You know best the reasons why you are returning, so comfort might not entirely be a big deal to you

I returned to Nigeria for 2years, after living 6yrs in the US and concluded i will rather live in the US than live in Nigeria and i have returned back to the US. You might hear that Nigeria is developing, but my opinion still has a lonnng way to go.

What i would say you should expect is, you cant change much in Nigeria because there are more people that have accepted the way things are done.
Pitfalls - negotiate for a good position before going to Nigeria.

Goodluck hope i was of some help

rebranded

Devonian:

After over 10 years in the UK where I obtained my bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees, in addition to teaching for a few years, I am planning to return to Nigeria and contribute my own quota to my fatherland. I intend taking up a teaching appointment in a University, preferably a Federal University.

Is there anybody on Nairaland who, as professionals or academics returned home from UK, USA, Canada or Australia, who can share their experiences with me here on:
(a) what to expect; and
(b) the pitfalls to avoid.
If you do not fall into this category please DO NOT respond to this posting. I need ONLY professionals or academics (not hustlers, no offence intended, please!)who have already experienced returning home after a long spell in European, North American and Australasia countries.

Meddler:

I do aplologize. Don't mean to hijack your thread. Rebranded what part of naija were you leaving in? I'm returning home too. what was your experience like?

ftmom:

Oh, not to sound cynical but all that talk about contributing your quota? majority have no interest in your contribution, money is king and I mean immediate cash not "building for the future"

Having said that if you are not too concerned about being appreciated, go for it! and pray your frustrations will be little

udezue:

Lol @ the arrogance. Why don't u 1st visit and investigate things for yourself b4 u make that decision? You haven't gotten a job offer and u are ready pack and move or do u  think they will readily dash u a  job when thousands or  more in Nigeria with same / similar degree are without work? haha a lil bit of common sense not arrogance will help u out in this situation.

Devonian:

First of all shall I say that I posted this thread not with the intentions of being egoistic! Whilst acknowledging the fact that anyone who previously lived abroad and returned home (or people who haven’t travelled abroad, but knows the reality on ground) may have one or two things to say which would be quintessentially useful for my situation, I’m also aware that too many people derail threads on NL. For example, netotse, the first person to respond asked “what sector are you planning to go into” when this was already apparent in my post. This partly explains why I’m keen to hear from professionals and academics. Besides, I was hoping to hear from anyone in the same profession that left the West for Nigeria to give me feedback on their experiences back home in Nigerian universities. Consensus seems to be give it a test ride first (PapaBrowne "visit first for a month or two before making a final decision"; Kobojunkie "go down there for 3 to 6 month periods at first"; ftmom “set up a trial period during which you can decide what you want to do long term.”) I would certainly do this. Some also suggested business. I definitely wouldn’t go into business in Naija.

rebranded:

No problem meddler, im sure you will have a nice time Abj is more sane than most cities in Nigeria 10yrs is a long time you might have to learn to speak your language again 

netotse:

guess what ppl? today is let-hotshot-doctorate-wielding-fella-stylishly-insult-me-and-get-away-with-it-day

it was evident in your first post? you mentioned teaching in a university, i kinda meant what subject, i should've been clearer mea culpa. . .if you're an electrical engineer with a PhD university of lagos will employ you easily, that's the sorta thing that was going through my mind, was also planning to help search for lecturers salaries but i guess i have better things to do(what with being NLs chief thread-derailer and all )

SEFAGO:

^ lolz not my business but not true though- you asked "what sector and what city" he wants to stay not what field do u wanna teach.

Regardless the guy is asking a honest question lol  

blunt1990:

@meddler
I really don't know your preps but I will advise you prep yourself mentally before you return to Nigeria. I retuned to Nigeria in February after opening a coy in UK and in Nigeria and have been in Abuja ever since, I find it extremely difficult living in Nigeria having lived in UK for over 6years. So many things about Nigeria is wrong and I will advise you put up a structure on ground before you retun, and please do not fail to have a contingency plan in case if things do not go on well in Nigeria.
I will like to hear your experience when you are back. best of luck

Meddler:

I hear ya. I'm gng to rely on my savings till by the grace of God something pans out and also be registering for NYSC . So one year is gng to be dedicated to NYSC. But I am preparing myself mentally. Is it really that bad?? I mean I understand the lack of basic stuff i take for granted here but is it really that bad. I guess a part of me is just hoping that everyone's stance on Nigeria is being blown out of proportion. But oh well I'll be having first hand experience pretty soon.