JAPA: Nigerians Bash Youtuber Over His ‘Comment’ on BBC Interview, Brand Him Judas

Cursory: Nigerian YouTuber, Emdee Tiamiyu, faced criticism for suggesting that many Nigerians pursue studying abroad as a means to start a new life rather than seeking new qualifications. Tiamiyu’s comments came in response to new immigration rules in the UK that restrict bringing dependents and limit the ability to switch from student visas to work visas. Some Nigerians felt his remarks jeopardized genuine students’ opportunities, while others accused him of seeking attention and popularity.

The comments made by Emdee Tiamiyu, a popular Nigerian YouTuber, during an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), have sparked ongoing criticism.

Tiamiyu, who is recognized for providing guidance to Nigerians regarding studying in the United Kingdom, stated that a significant number of Nigerians are not seeking new qualifications but are instead looking to begin a fresh life overseas.

According to Tiamiyu, a significant proportion of individuals who apply for education in the UK view it primarily as a means of escaping Nigeria.

He suggests that for many people, the student route serves as a convenient way to pursue their aspirations, particularly for ordinary individuals.

Tiamiyu goes on to express his observation that many people use student status as a facade, implying that obtaining degrees is not their genuine objective.

He said, “The student route is more like an answered prayer. It is a big bracket that’s able to take a lot of people, the ordinary people.

“We’re beginning to see that a lot of people just hide behind the studentship. So the student thing is not real, it’s not like they need the degrees,” he added.

Tiamiyu, who resides in Birmingham, gave the interview following the introduction of new immigration regulations that will restrict Nigerian students and other international students studying in the UK from bringing their families as dependents, unless specific conditions are met. Starting from January 2024, the UK will eliminate the option for international students to transition from the student visa category to work visas before completing their studies, aiming to prevent the misuse of the visa system.

Tiamiyu’s remarks were met with dissatisfaction from Nigerians who believed that his comments had undermined the opportunities of individuals with genuine intentions to study in the UK. Some individuals also criticized him, labeling him as someone who seeks attention and popularity, rather than providing meaningful guidance.

See reactions below:

Francis Ebuara: “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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

See video below:

Source: PUNCH

Read Also: Panic as UK Set to Ban Nigerian Students, Others From Bringing Family Members Over

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