Study, Work or Volunteer in Nigeria

Nigeria is a country in the West Africa and shares borders with Benin, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. Its capital city is Abuja. It has 36 states and 1 Federal Capital Territory. Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and the 8th in the world with more than 140 million people. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected the economy of Nigeria to grow by 8.3% in 2009. The country is amongst the “Next Eleven” economies. World top science magazine New Scientist reported that the Nigerians are the happiest people out of 65 countries in 1999-2001 based on a scientific survey.

Based on archaeological evidences, humans have already inhabited what is now Nigeria as early as 9000 BCE. The nation declared independence from the British in October 1, 1963. Nigeria’s government is patterned after the US – a federal republic. The current president, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, serves as the Chief of State and Head of Government for a 4-year term. Nigeria’s economy is considered and emerging market illustrated by its advanced financial, communications, and transport sectors. The 4 main financial hubs are Lagos (former capital), Kaduna, Prot Harcourt, and Abuja.

The biggest ethnic groups in the country are the Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo which represent about 70% of the population. English is the official language while other major languages widely spoken include Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Kanuri. Nigeria is very rich in literary history including post-colonial writing in the English language. It has produced world-class writers such as Wole Soynika and Chinua Achebe. The Nigerian music (“The Heart of African Music”) and film (“Nollywood”) industries are also known for its unique influences and glamour. The food in the country is characterized by spices, herbs, flavorings mixed with palm oil or groundnut. Football remains the most popular sport in the country followed by basketball, boxing, and track and field.