Japa not automatic job ticket abroad, says 32-year-old Nigerian UK tech expert

A 32-year-old financial markets and technology expert, Abubakar Bello, has warned Nigerian youth craving to travel abroad for greener pastures, that moving out of the country does not automatically guarantee them a job abroad.

The 32- year old Ilorin born tech expert, and co- founder of  MALhub tech firm, who spoke with journalists  in Ilorin, also cautioned young Nigerians against pursuing quick riches through betting and other get-rich-quick schemes that promise overnight success without genuine value creation.

Drawing from nearly a decade of professional experience in Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Kingdom, Bello dismissed the widespread belief that relocating abroad automatically guarantees career success.

He argued that global employers are more interested in competence than nationality, adding that professionals who build relevant skills, acquire internationally recognised certifications and develop strong portfolios can compete successfully anywhere in the world.

“The biggest misconception is that a globally competitive career is primarily about location. The real question employers ask is, ‘What can you do?’ not where you come from,” he said.

While acknowledging that working abroad provides greater exposure, higher earning potential and stronger professional networks, Bello warned that migration without adequate preparation often leaves many Nigerians struggling to rebuild their careers from scratch.

He added that world-class careers can still be built from Nigeria, especially with the growing opportunities in the global remote work economy.

Bello said his experience at MALhub, which has trained thousands of young Nigerians and supported more than 1,000 businesses, showed that discipline, mentorship and solving real problems consistently distinguish successful entrepreneurs from those who fail.

Bello also described Nigeria’s fintech industry as both transformative and incomplete.