Dr Raji Abdulwasiu, a Nigerian academic who relocated abroad, has inspired many on social media after sharing his journey from earning ₦8,500 as a teacher to becoming an internationally recognised researcher.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Raji encouraged young people not to lose faith in their dreams, stressing that consistency, prayer and hard work would eventually bring success and recognition.
From ₦8,500 teacher to international researcher
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Raji recounted that his first salary as a vacation teacher in Lagos in 2008 was just ₦8,500. After completing his degree and while waiting for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting, he taught at a secondary school in Lagos for six months, earning ₦20,000 monthly.
Following his service year, he took up a marketing job where he worked for two years without a regular salary, surviving only on sales commissions.
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“Some months, I earned less than ₦20,000,” he wrote. “But I learnt a lot working as a salesperson, especially in financial management, communication, and people skills. Today, I can speak confidently to anyone and any audience.”
Journey into Academia
Despite the challenges, Raji said he never lost focus on his goals. His persistence paid off when he joined Nigeria’s oldest tertiary institution, established in 1923, as an assistant lecturer — a role that came with a salary of ₦105,000 per month.
He continued to improve his skills, which eventually opened several opportunities both locally and internationally. According to him, these opportunities included fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships worth over ₦100 million.
‘Sooner than later, you will be celebrated’
Now living abroad as an international researcher, Raji said he has achieved financial stability, spiritual peace and a happy family life.
“Today, I am in a better place. Financially, I am stable. Spiritually, I am good. Family-wise, I have a home,” he wrote.
Encouraging others to keep faith in their journey, he concluded: “Believe in your dreams, pray, and work hard. Sooner than later, you will be celebrated.”
