chineloSA:

Sweetheart, I do not think you understand the condition that your child has.

ADD and ADHD - PI are the same.

As I indicated above there are three types of ADHD and your son seem to fall under ADHD - PI ( Predominantly Inattentive). Yes they are not hyperactive and impulsive like the other two, but they normally have depression as a comorbid condition.

So you may think your son is better, only to discover that he has been depressed.

I suggest before you leave the US, go to a psychologist or psychiatrist who did a diagnosis for your son. Ask that they refer you to parent support classes, If you don't know that they are the same I do not think you went through parental support classes on how to deal with children with this condition ( which is compulsory for Retalin ( most commonly used) / or any antidepressant prescribed patients )

Not sure about US, but this side if you diagnose ADHD and prescribe Retalin its compulsory to go for classes and also get continuous support when you start treatment

You will not get the parental support in Nigeria. After more understanding I am sure the severity as per the discussion with your therapist will determine if you enrol your child in a normal school or special school.

But jumping into special school enrolment just like that, will not be the best option for your son.

simple question - how do you think we know he has this condition? You think we just decided he has it because we were bored? You don't think we ever saw ANY professionals? I won't bother to tell you how many we in fact saw to confirm & reconfirm. Well, thanks for your input

Originalsly: Let's reason. For 3 years your son has been on medication for him to focus. To date he still can't focus...and you are worried about him not being able to focus in Nigeria because either he will not get the medication or professional care. When is the medication scheduled to cure him from ADD? That's the problem with so many people abroad...they buy into the theory that any problem can be managed by drugs...not cured but managed. Kids especially boys are naturally unfocused. The school system in Nigeria itself does not allow the kids to run rampant as I guess...in the US. Without medication the teachers know how to take care of "ADD kids"....parents know how to take care of "ADD kids"....rich or poor. They been doing that for years and years. Stop looking for solutions in medication and look in the mirror and ask yourself how you are failing as a parent. The only thing you should be considering is to find a good school in Nigeria...one than can give your kid quality education. FYI...do you know boys put on certain ADD medication begin to grow breasts at puberty? That was featured on I think 60 Minutes or 20/20 about a year ago. Go ahead not seeing results and think drugs do not have side effects.Your son would be drug free and just fine in Nigeria.

I think you are being entirely too presumptuous - with the meds he focuses better and does much better in school;
yes we look to manage it and in some cases, hopefully in his too, they manage it better with age. I have no concerns about what you see as my failings as a parent - I have a right to try and do the best for my kid. Many people here have said he'll simply be flogged - that's scary. Believe it or not, his father has spanked him if need be but NOT for focus issues, that's like spanking someone for having blue eyes or black hair. As for breasts at puberty, our pediatrist has never mentioned that, but I'll certainly ask him now. Anyway, thanks for your comments

grandstar: I probably suffer from ADD. I am extremely disorganised but very intelligent. ADD is mentioned as many times as Lusaka in nigerian schools. if you know his medication ensure if takes it and i am sure he'll be fine. my 2cents

thank you, I'm also looking to see where or if I can get his medication in Lagos or Ibadan.

nep2ra: It's called ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

actually ADD is different from ADHD. He only has focus issues, not behavioral hyperactivity problems.

careytommy: this might be a problem. i will advise you leave him under foster care with any of youe relations in the states.
we have not gotten to that level here. only the enlightened have some form of awareness about it and it stops at that.

Thank you for comments. I appreciate your honesty.

Phder: Ibadan is a good choice, not as noisy as lagos and they have a well outlined residential area (real estate stuff). There is no public water system in most area, and the electricity supply is on the average, I would rate the general security (life and material) 7/10. Public education is good, private education is the best (lots of standard private schools), public transportation is cheap, living expenses is cheap compared to Lagos and Abuja, there are no public recreational places though.
Lived in Ibadan (Bashorun- OluwoNla) for some times, and I really enjoyed it....

Thanks for your comments. The information is very helpful. What do you think about the expressway from Lagos to Ibadan? Do you know if it is getting fixed? I was hoping to visit next month.

My son has been on medication for almost 3 years which helps him to focus in school. I was wondering what kind of assistance I would receive from teachers and doctors when my family moves to Nigeria? What is the general attitude toward learning disabilities and any laws to accommodate and help children in school?

luizworld: Yes I love pizza and I am thinking of opening a pizza shop. Would be open to ideas from you guys.

Where are you going to open a pizza shop? My family is thinking of moving to Nigeria and pizza will remind me of home.

I would like to know if anyone in Nigeria likes Pizza and what kind?

Mrs.Chima:


Are you looking for primary or secondary school for your kids?

We are looking for both ( 7 & 10 yr old).

Sloan:

Lynn, I can tell you for a FACT that Ibadan is A VERY GOOD LOCATION. My parents have two houses in Ibadan, I schooled in Ibadan and it was the central place for the family as my father worked with the Federal Government and be was transferred around a bit. Ibadan is everything Lagos has but more quiet, less people, cheaper and very friendly. You have lots of places to choose from in terms of accomodation. Oluyole Estate / Ring road, Bodija, Ashi, Jericho, Basorun and new estates toward the rail line (I forget the name now). A bakery business needs customers period and all the good bakeries are usually sold out! I know because the last time I went to Nigeria in December 2012, we would drive to Ring Road to buy bread from Zaartech bakery, one of the better bakeries in Ibadan. There are lots of good schools and I attended the International School, Ibadan on of the best schools in Nigeria then. Today, there must be dozens of more schools like that and with similar orientations.

I hear the current government is fixing up many parts of the state and I did witness significant progress when I visited. You have big markets to shop for local produce, departmental store chains, security is much better than virtually all parts outside the SW of Nigeria and maybe better than Lagos with a much larger population. If you needed to fly out, Lagos airport is a out 1.5 hrs away except you run into heavy traffic which is not news if you have lived in big cities and states with bursting populations like California, New York, Toronto, etc. In terms of overall cost, Ibadan comes out tops compared to Lagos and Abuja. If you have a lot of money to invest and spend, Lagos and Abuja could be good choices too and you can charge more for your products because generally, there is more money in those states and more people than Ibadan.

Thanks so much for your response, especially, on the specifics to where to stay as well as the general environment as to what to expect. Thanks so much!

chucky234: Ibadan is certainly not a good idea, areas like Victoria Island,Ikoyi,Lekki and Ikeja in Lagos offers real city life settings with standard schools,hospitals and recreation centers for relaxation.
Lagos also offer more security to life and business compare to other cities, talk to your hubby about his bad choice of Ibadan.

Thank you for your reply. I will keep your advice in mind.

Mister Dan: That's pretty nice....I've lived in Ibadan for about a year and some months now....I think Ibadan is perfect since you are not a big-town person. The traffic is good, food is ok and the security is superb....
Wishing you all the best as you return....

Thanks for your feed back. I am thinking about starting a baking business, would you know availability of such ingredients like flour,chocolate,butter and nuts for starters? Also about leasing equipment. Thanks again.

luvable sam:
Ibadan is a nice place since that's where ur huby is from buh I hope u would be able to cope with your in-laws since that's his hime town.how well are u familiar wit his culture?

I'm very familiar with my mother in law since just spent 2 months with us which is an yearly event. Over the years the whole family has visited. I visited Lagos 13 years ago for a wedding and We are visiting next month. Thanks for the heads up.

luvable sam: my advice is very simple....stay in Abuja ,it has nice international standard facilities. Other than that u could stay in calabar or uyo....if u enjoy noisy places then lagos should be your number one choice.

hope my advice helps

Thanks for the advice. My husband is from Lagos but I'm not used to living in a big city.

mu2sa2: If by coming home you mean relocating to Nigeria permanently, l would advise you choose Abuja. Everything you'll need you get in that city - good schools for the kids, nice accommodation, embassy support etc. My second choice is lagos - apart from heavy traffic it is also a nice place to live, but excluding the heavily populated run down areas. There are other decent cities but l would rather you decide for yourself after living in the country for like 2-3 years. In coming to live in Nigeria you should make adequate financial arrangements. I would rather encourage than discourage you. But why not pay a visit first and see thimgs for yourself?

What do you think of Ibadan to live and start a business?

Rejoice5000: Come home Nigeria is the best country to live in,choose any school of ur choice ad enroll ur kids in,choose any state of ur choice and lived in a government reserved area. but not this Boko haram state ooooo abeg

Thanks for your comments. My husband is from Lagos but we are thinking of residing in Ibadan.

bigtt76: Yes o! Also try up your game so your husband don't start pinging the local babes (girls)

Thanks but kindly stay on topic; i'm more interested in how we transition there not on
"pinging". In spite of your personal experiences, I"m sure not all Nigerian men are like that. But thanks anyway.

I am an American white woman married to a Nigerian (15 yrs. and 2 children) and we want to move to Nigeria. Please give me some advice about security, places to live, schools for the kids and what life will be like. My husband also wants to run for some office as he thinks someone must fight for the country. Everyone tells him he's naive. But regardless, we're Nigeria bound. Any advice is welcome.