Dr. Uchechukwu Osuagwu, President of the American Academy of Optometry, African Chapter, has shared insights into his life journey and the reasons why many Nigerians in Australia do not return home.
In an interview, he described his upbringing in Aba, Nigeria, where he learned the values of persistence and resilience. Despite his family’s financial challenges, he recalled how his father worked tirelessly to ensure his children received an education.
He also reminisced about his passion for music during his university days, where he performed professionally to support himself financially.
Osuagwu initially aspired to be a medical doctor, but after struggling to gain admission to medical school, he was offered a place in botany.
However, he later switched to optometry, a field he grew to love despite his father’s preference for him to study medicine.
His journey eventually took him to Saudi Arabia, where he worked in a private clinic and later as a research assistant at a university. After completing a master’s program in the UK, Osuagwu moved to Australia to pursue a fully funded PhD scholarship, which he described as an opportunity that greatly impacted his life.
Reflecting on the common myth that Nigerians in Australia forget to return home, Osuagwu explained that it is a real challenge.
The cost of travel from Australia to Nigeria is prohibitive, with return tickets alone costing around $8,000. In addition to the high travel expenses, Nigerians in Australia often face family-related financial commitments, making the prospect of visiting home a significant financial burden.
He emphasized that many Nigerians would be willing to return if the country provided better opportunities and a more stable environment.
Osuagwu highlighted the wide range of professional opportunities available in Australia, noting that the country is in need of skilled workers in fields such as medicine, IT, engineering, and healthcare.
He also pointed out that many Nigerians are taking advantage of these opportunities, especially in rural and remote areas where staff shortages are prevalent.
He explained that the ageing population and the challenge of filling the workforce gap have made it difficult for Australia to meet its demand for skilled labor.
On the topic of wildlife, Osuagwu shared his experiences with Australia’s reptiles, noting that while snakes and other creatures can be a concern, he has never had a dangerous encounter in his home.
He explained that in Australia, snakes are not killed but relocated, as they play an important role in the ecosystem.
Dr. Osuagwu’s reflections provide a deeper understanding of the migration experience and the challenges faced by Nigerians living in Australia. His story serves as a reminder of the tough decisions many Nigerians make when considering whether to return home or continue building their future abroad.
Read full interview at The PUNCH
