Nigeria, a country in West Africa, has a long history of immigration to the United States. Over the years, thousands of Nigerians have come to the U.S. in search of a better life. While they have faced many challenges, Nigerian immigrants have also made significant contributions to American society.

   Factors that led to Migration.

• Educational purposes: Education has an enormous influence on our lives. Sometimes people want to study abroad to gain new skills or qualifications, or they want to experience a different educational system.  For example, some students choose to study in the United States because of the high quality of the education system, or because they want to experience life in a different country.  Others choose to migrate because their home country may not have the educational opportunities they’re seeking. Also,the issue of strikes in the educational sector is a real one, especially in Nigeria. Which can disrupt students’ education.
• Career enhancement:Career enhancement is another major reason why people migrate.  Oftentimes, people may want to gain new skills or experience in order to advance their careers.  In some cases, they may be looking for better job opportunities or higher salaries.  Some people may also want to relocate in order to be closer to their career goals or to be in a place that is more conducive to their line of work. 
• Unemployment:This is another common reason for migration.  In many cases, people migrate in search of better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. There is a high unemployment rate in Nigeria and it has  led to people leaving in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
• Poverty:Poverty is a major reason why people migrate, both within and between countries.  People may leave their home country in search of better economic opportunities and a better standard of living.In many cases, people may not have access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare, and they may believe that they can find a better life elsewhere.
• Economic and political instability can lead to uncertainty, insecurity, and a lack of opportunity.  In some cases, it can even lead to violence and conflict.  This can make it difficult for people to live their lives and provide for their families.  When people feel like they have no other option, they may decide to migrate in search of a better life.

Challenges Nigerian Immigrants have faced Abroad.

• Lack of recognition of their qualifications and work experience. Many professions have to go through a lengthy process to get their credentials recognized in the United States.
• The issue of “brain waste”: Some highly educated and skilled immigrants are working in jobs that are far below their skill level.
• Language barrier: Even though some people have a strong command of English, they still find it difficult communicating effectively in the workplace due to differences in accent, vocabulary or cultural differences.
• Limited connections: Many people find jobs through personal connections and it can be difficult to build those connections. They may not have family or friends in the U.S and may not be familiar with professional networking.

 Others are; lack of familiarity with the U.S job market, cultural differences, discrimination etc.

How to overcome these challenges.

• Building social networks: By joining professional organizations, attending networking events, using social media. E.g Bola Sokunbi, a Nigerian immigrant who came to the U.S. with little money and no job. She started networking and eventually got a job as a financial analyst. She eventually became a financial coach and started her own company, Clever Girl Finance. She has now helped thousands of women build wealth and achieve financial independence.
• Getting help from legit organizations that work with immigrants. They offer job training, job placement and other types of support. E.g (IRC) International Rescue Committee,  Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services(RAICES), U.S Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification, and many others.
• Joining local community groups and organizations.
•  Overcoming language barriers:  One great organization that helps with this is ProLiteracy.  They offer a variety of programs that help people learn English and other languages.