Feb 14, 2025 5 min read Nigerians in Canada

Nigerians Living in Canada - Rhoda Ojo

In this series, we catch up with Nigerians in Canada and ask them about life, culture shocks, challenges, advice to newcomers, and more. In this episode, we catch up with Rhoda Ojo, a young Nigerian graduate student and makeup artist in Canada. She had the following to say about settling, studying, living, and more.

Settling into Canadian Life

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been in Canada for close to a year now. The first few months were tough, but now that I’ve settled in, I’m pushing through. It's been an exciting, challenging, and life-changing experience, and I’ve learned so much already.

A major difference compared to Nigeria

Hmm… I have to say that it is the level of structure here. Everything in Canada is so planned out. From public transportation to trash collection, there’s a set schedule for everything, and they all go according to the plan. Back in Nigeria — you can freestyle a little. But here, you need to follow the plan and stay on track.

Schooling in Canada

I’m studying Human Resource Management at the Centennial College School of Business Toronto and so far, it’s been fulfilling. I’ve completed my coursework and I’m currently in the co-op term, which is similar to Nigeria’s Industrial Training. The co-op has been a nice break from school, allowing me to experience the work environment and earn some money. The work culture here is so serious. People don’t touch their phones while they are working; they are incredibly focused. I found myself constantly tempted to check my phone, just out of habit, but I’ve had to adjust and focus just like everyone else around me.

Surviving Winter

Canadian winters are no joke! I thought I was prepared and thought I overpacked on winter gear but the cold still shocked me. I survived by covering every part of my body - head, body, legs. I have muffs for my ears, masks for my face, thermal leggings, big hair wigs for my head, and pullovers from my winter jackets. Even with the forecast, Canada's weather can not be predicted, one second everything can change so I am always ready. For my feet, I go for boots, the sturdy ones that won’t let me slip on the ice and also long to cover parts of my legs. When it comes to winter we don't care about fashion. Lol

Nigerian Food in Canada

There are Nigerian food options available in Canada, but honestly, it’s not the same. The packaging, storage, and preservatives used here affect the flavour and texture, so while it’s nice to have a taste of home, it’s just not the same as the food in Nigeria. I’m grateful to find some familiar dishes, but there’s always a noticeable difference in the taste.

Coping with Homesickness

I do miss home—there’s no denying that. But I’ve found ways to stay connected with my family through chats, messages, and long video calls when I have the time and space. It helps to stay in touch, but it still gets to me sometimes. I also attend a Filipino church here, which has been a great source of support. The church community is incredibly warm and welcoming, and their fellowship after service has been a comforting way to feel more connected, especially when I’m missing Nigeria.

Advice for Prospective Students Moving to Canada

If you're thinking about moving to Canada, I’d say the opportunities are the best part. There’s so much potential here for growth if you stay focused. But don’t get me wrong, I still miss the warmth and soul of Nigeria—family, the food, that sense of spontaneity we have back home. Canada is teaching me a lot, but I’ll always carry those pieces of Nigeria with me.

My Advice for Nigerians Coming to Canada

If you’re planning to move to Canada, let me share three pieces of advice that I’ve learned over the past 10 months:

Come Ready: Moving here is like hitting the reset button on life. The excitement of arriving is great, but reality will quickly set in. Starting over can be overwhelming, and you have to stay motivated. If you don’t have a clear vision or strong motivation, it can be easy to lose focus. Be ready for the challenges, and make sure you stay driven.
Financial Planning: You’ll learn financial planning here, but you need to have some basic knowledge before you arrive. Unlike Nigeria, where you can rely on family and friends to help out in tough situations, here you need to be independent. Prepare for the financial challenges that come with settling in a new country. Have a budget and plan for the first few months—it will save you a lot of stress.
More Baggage: Trust me, the baggage allowance from airlines is rarely enough, especially when you’re moving here for the first time. If you can, pay for extra baggage. You’ll need it to bring the essentials for your first few months. Otherwise, you’ll end up buying a lot of things when you arrive, and those small costs will add up quickly. Bring what you can to make your transition smoother.

Conclusion

My time in Canada so far has been a blend of challenges and rewards. It’s a huge adjustment, but I’ve learned so much along the way. There are so many opportunities here, but at the same time, I’ll always miss the warmth of Nigeria. For anyone planning to move here, I hope my advice helps you prepare and get ready for the journey ahead. Stay motivated, plan ahead, and don’t forget to carry a piece of home with you as you embark on this new chapter.