The Overstudy Trap: Why Studying Abroad Isn't Always the Fastest Route to Permanent Residency
Reading Time: 12 minutes. Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Last Reviewed: July 2026. W hy Studying Abroad Is Not Always the Smartest Route to Permanent Residency. For many Nigerians, the dream of relocating abroad, popularly known as "Japa," often begins with education. Every year, thousands of students and professionals apply for admission into colleges and universities across Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, and other popular destinations for studies. Study Abroad Is Growing Rapidly Among Nigerians According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics , tens of thousands of Nigerian students are enrolled in higher education institutions abroad, making Nigeria one of Africa's largest sources of international students. Popular destinations include Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Germany, and increasingly Ireland and New Zealand. This growing demand reflects the desire for better educational opportunities, stronger career pros...
