Nigeria: the country that loves to overachieve is home to more than 370 tribes and 500-languages
Nigeria is often referred to as a cultural powerhouse and is recognized for its competitive spirit and drive to succeed. This mindset is deeply ingrained in the Nigerian psyche, where the unofficial motto “Naija no dey carry last” translates to “Nigeria never comes last.” This phrase encapsulates the determination of Nigerians to excel in various fields, including academics, arts, sports, and business.
Africa’s most-populated country is a cultural powerhouse. But’s what’s behind the nation’s drive to succeed?
In a lifetime of feverishly competitive Scrabble-playing, I have only been defeated by six earthly beings. Growing up, my mother’s nickname for me was “speedometer”, and I began teaching myself German at the age of nine in order to catch up to the 10 languages my parents spoke between them. For Nigerians like myself, a competitive streak is as natural as spicy jollof rice at a wedding.
For Nigerians like myself, a competitive streak is as natural as spicy jollof rice at a wedding
In fact, excelling in all circumstances is so deeply entrenched in the Nigerian psyche that the nation’s unofficial motto is “Naija no dey carry last” (“Nigeria never comes last”).
This winning mentality is visible at home and abroad. Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and, according to Bloomberg, now has the continent’s biggest economy – earning us our famous sobriquet, “The Giant of Africa”. Glittering examples of Nigerian success can be seen in the literary world, international music charts and throughout the diaspora.
Cultural Background and Competitive Spirit
The competitive nature of Nigerians can be traced back to their upbringing. From an early age, children are instilled with high expectations from their parents. They are encouraged to pursue multiple degrees and successful careers, often in traditional fields such as medicine, law, or engineering. The pressure to succeed is particularly pronounced for firstborns, who are expected to support their younger siblings and contribute significantly to family welfare.
This cultural emphasis on achievement is further reinforced by Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscape, which comprises over 370 tribes and more than 500 languages. Each group has its own unique customs and traditions that celebrate success and community pride. For instance, during weddings or social gatherings, individuals often showcase their status through elaborate attire and displays of wealth.
Educational Achievements
Nigerians place a strong emphasis on education as a pathway to success. According to the Migration Policy Institute, 61% of Nigerian-Americans over 25 hold graduate degrees, making them one of the most educated ethnic groups in the United States. This trend reflects a broader commitment among Nigerians to pursue higher education as a means of improving their socio-economic status.
In Nigeria itself, academic performance is rigorously monitored; students are ranked from first to last in each subject throughout their schooling. This system fosters a culture of competition where excellence is not just encouraged but expected.
Success in Arts and Entertainment
Nigerians have made significant contributions to global arts and entertainment. The film industry known as Nollywood has become the second largest film producer globally after Bollywood, producing around 50 films weekly. Additionally, Nigerian music has gained international acclaim with artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy leading the Afrobeats genre into mainstream popularity.
The literary scene also boasts notable figures such as Wole Soyinka—the first African Nobel Laureate in Literature—and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie whose works have garnered international recognition.
Lagosian superstar Wizkid topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the song One Dance alongside Drake and was the first Afrobeats artist to headline a sold-out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Nigeria is home to Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first black African playwright to win the Nobel Prize in Literature and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose novel Half of a Yellow Sun was recently voted the best book to have won the Women’s Prize for Fiction in the last 25 years. According to the Migration Policy Institute, 61% of Nigerian-Americans over 25 hold a graduate degree, making them one of the most “successful” ethnic groups in the US. Oh, and my Scrabble prowess isn’t random: Nigeria has won three of the last five World English Scrabble Players Association Championships.
Nigerians are one of the most ‘successful’ ethnic groups in the US
While this internal drive to succeed and get ahead may not seem evident to outsiders, there are countless opportunities for travellers to witness Nigerians striving to get ahead – if you know what to look for.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
The drive for success extends beyond academia and arts into entrepreneurship. Many Nigerians engage in multiple jobs or side hustles due to economic necessity or personal ambition. This entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by an understanding of infrastructural challenges within the country; many Nigerians innovate solutions that address these gaps while showcasing their achievements through material possessions.
Dr. James Yeku highlights that this entrepreneurial mindset stems from hardship; those who face infrastructural precarity often develop resilience that drives them toward success.
So, what’s behind this “Nigeria never comes last” mindset? Lofty expectations are bestowed upon Nigerian children from an early age. We are taught to marry well, amass multiple degrees and earn enough to take care of our parents in old age. The firstborn carries the brunt of these expectations and should ideally support younger siblings, too. There are plentiful warnings against “non-traditional” careers in the arts in favour of profitable vocations that offer respectable titles like doctor, barrister or engineer.
The drive to be educationally and professionally successful may also be linked to Nigeria’s well-known optimism. “When your culture is preternaturally positive despite often brutal political, health and social conditions, optimism drives and inspires you to expect success in almost any circumstance,” said Nigerian-American Afam Onyema, who was named one of the Top 10 Influential Migrant Africans in the US by WorldRemit for co-founding the celebrity-backed GEANCO Foundation.
Optimism Amidst Challenges
Despite facing numerous socio-political challenges—including economic instability—Nigerians maintain a remarkably optimistic outlook on life. This optimism is reflected in common names associated with positive attributes like Blessing or Goodluck. In fact, Nigeria was named the most optimistic nation globally for two consecutive years (2011-2012).
This unwavering belief that “no condition is permanent” fuels the relentless pursuit of success across various sectors.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s love for overachievement can be attributed to cultural values emphasizing education, competition from an early age, significant contributions in arts and entertainment, an entrepreneurial spirit born out of necessity, and an inherent optimism despite challenges faced by its people.
Reference: Why We Are What We Are (a BBC Travel series)
