The remarks made by Emdee Tiamiyu, a popular Nigerian Youtuber, during an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation, have generated ongoing criticisms. Tiamiyu, known for providing advice to Nigerians interested in studying in the United Kingdom, stated that many of them were not motivated by acquiring new qualifications but rather by the desire to start a new life abroad. He claimed that a significant number of those who applied for educational opportunities in the UK saw it primarily as a means to escape from Nigeria.
According to Tiamiyu, the student route, which allows individuals to study abroad, is seen by many as a favorable option and a solution to their problems. He emphasized that a considerable number of people exploit the student route to hide their real intentions, suggesting that they do not genuinely require degrees.
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Tiamiyu, who resides in Birmingham, expressed his views in response to new immigration rules that will restrict Nigerian students and others studying in the UK from bringing their families as dependants, except in specific circumstances. These new regulations, scheduled to be implemented in January 2024, aim to prevent misuse of the visa system by international students switching to work routes before completing their studies.
Many Nigerians were displeased with Tiamiyu’s remarks, as they believed he undermined the prospects of those genuinely aspiring to study in the UK. Some also labeled him as a clout chaser, accusing him of seeking popularity rather than offering genuine advice.
A Twitter user, Francis Ebuara, said, “Dear BBC, Nigerians have been made aware of a video showing your interview with one “Emdee Tiamiyu,” who claimed that Nigerians do not go to the UK because they need the degree. For the avoidance of doubt, your interviewee has spoken strictly for himself and not for Nigerians.”
Another user, Bizzle said, “What @EmdeeTiamiyu said in the interview was unhealthy!
He has really made bad history, and the internet will never forget it. Sometimes it is healthy to bridle your mouth than speaking in a happy state of mind. He was too happy to be interviewed and decided to blow the whistle.”
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Another tweep, Daniel Regha, said, “Emdee Tiamiyu is a mindless clown. Nigerians are already being stigmatised, our country has a negative image but instead of correcting the wrong perceptions he deliberately threw Nigerians under the bus for views and cheap clout. Ignorance is a disease. Hope karma visits him soon.”
Also in his reaction, Omolomo tweeted, “Emdee Tiamiyu finally japa and all he could do was to block the same channel he used for those coming.”
Wanjukay also tweeted, “This Emdee Tiamiyu just made foolery of himself on #BBC . Nigerian students have immensely contributed to UK economy through post-graduate studies. Stereotyping and jumping to conclusions like this just to gain YouTube views is destructively greedy.”
