Key Cultural Differences between British and Nigerian Culture in the UK job market

In our latest guest blog post, we welcome Timilehin Akinyosola who was a University of Dundee student studying Management formerly of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ife-Ife, Nigeria. Timilehin looks at five of the key differences between the UK and Nigeria in terms of applying for jobs as he sees it. Timilehin is passionate about writing and has been writing freelance since 2020, he has lived in the UK since 2022. Please note elements of this are theory and elements are opinion based on Timilehin’s experience.

Moving to a new country is an experience most people relish, but with that comes the challenge of differences. One can only expect that people from different backgrounds, regions, beliefs, ideas, etc. would also have distinct cultures. Not only do people mirror the society they live in, but businesses also reflect their immediate environment.

In this article, we will examine some cultural differences that exist in the UK and Nigeria in the job market.

1. Hierarchy

Hierarchy is not only important in Nigeria but is also respected. Titles that serve as prefixes before names are extremely important. For example, a professor wants them to be addressed as ‘Professor…’ followed by their name. Neglecting that title could get you in trouble with them. This is due to the Nigerian culture which places elders and people in high positions in a very high regard.

In contrast, the UK culture does not have this scenario but like in every cycle of life there are leaders and subordinates. In some studies this is also known as “Power Distance”, a significant cultural gap between the UK and several countries where international students come from.

2. Age restrictions in Nigeria

Some job descriptions in Nigeria are age restricted. For example, a graduate role is restricted to no one older than 26 years of age.

If you get a university degree by age 20 then plus an extra year of national service (Since 1973, University graduates are required to take part in the ‘National Youth Service Corps’ program. This is a mandatory national service for one year) then you have just five years to search for graduate jobs.  This age restriction for graduate roles does not exist in the UK.

3. CV’s and Cover Letters

For every job application in the UK, you would normally tailor a CV or cover letter to be related to that role. In Nigeria on the other hand, a single CV is used to show academic qualifications, work experience and certifications which can be used for numerous job applications. However, cover letters in Nigeria are designed for the job being applied for.

4. Experience and Certifications

This is usually an issue at the initial stage of the recruitment process. There is a great emphasis placed on experience in the UK compared to Nigeria. You would often see job descriptions that place importance on UK based experience particularly.

In Nigeria however, while experience is an important factor in the job market, recruiters place more emphasis on degree certificates and grades. Anyone who does not meet the degree requirement will be eliminated from the process. In Nigeria, you are required to provide proof of your degree certificate during the early stages of an application rather than upon completion of an application or when you are successful in the UK.

5. Salaries

Almost every job description displays the potential wage or salary in the UK, this is a very different approach from what exists in the Nigerian job market. Although some job applications display the potential salary, most jobs do not. Any effort by applicants to ask for the payment form may be perceived as not being ready to work but ready to earn money and therefore a negative in the Nigerian job market.

There are many more Cultural differences between the UK and the Nigerian job market and these differences come as a result of background, societal norms, geographical location and more. Although there are many differences, one thing they both have in common is their work ethic. An average Nigerian is not lazy and has a high working standards, so can be said of an average Brit.

To discuss this more, do get in touch with us by clicking here or by email at info@birkdalecollective.com, we would love to hear from anyone dealing with these kinds of differences and looking for advice on the subject.