"Na by Fire, by Force" – Nigerian Woman Shares Experience at Her Child’s PTA Meeting in the U.S.

A Nigerian woman living in the U.S. shared a humorous TikTok about being forced to attend a PTA meeting—something she would’ve happily skipped in Nigeria—highlighting the stark cultural differences in parental involvement between the two countries.

A Nigerian mother living in the United States has gone viral after sharing her unexpected experience attending a mandatory Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting at her child’s school.

Posting on TikTok via @mummyjaydam, she explained that, unlike in Nigeria—where PTA meetings are often skipped or summarized in WhatsApp groups—parents in the U.S. are required to show up and participate.

“This is it, we’ve come for the PTA meeting. I’ve never attended one in Nigeria, but this one is by fire, by force. They didn’t waste time—just 30 minutes. Even though I didn’t understand most of what they were saying, the kids sang rainbow songs, and that was it. PTA meeting done!”

She added humorously:

“If it’s Nigeria, I wouldn’t attend. I’d tell them to just send the update to the WhatsApp group.”

The video sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians resonating with the cultural contrast. In her caption, she added:

“Parents’ involvement in school activities is a MUST here in America 💯. In Nigeria, PTA meeting no dey see me at all 😂 but here? You have no choice… you must attend! I didn’t even get what they were saying half the time 😅 🤦‍♀️”