Student Life Unplugged

S3 E5 NIGERIA - Ava - Be the best, flogging, family life, teachers' daughter.

Lifespan Education Season 3 Episode 5

'Every parent tells their child to be the best in their class, so imagine if you have a lot of bests'

In this week’s podcast, we travel to Nigeria and meet Ava, who has completed a degree in English Language and Literature and is now considering a master’s in International Relations or Journalism.

We hear about Nigeria’s rich culture, how different regions compete over recipes, and what happened when tribal languages and English merged.

Ava talks about the Nigerian school system, where beatings were once common and being the best was the ultimate goal. Despite the pressure, she speaks warmly of her school days, where she was a head prefect, and shares the pros and cons of being a teachers' daughter.

When Ava was young, her birth parents passed away and she was taken in by her aunt. She talks about her two families, her many siblings and cousins, and the important role family plays in Nigerian life.

Ava is passionate and driven, and her desire to create change shines through her ambitions and the path she is carving for herself.


Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation 'Lifespan Education'. He is working towards building a positive world, to nurture communities of engaged learners for the sake of his own children and for young people everywhere.

For more information about Leong and his project go to https://https://lifespan.education/contact/

If you would like to take part in the podcast, go to https://lifespan.education/podcast/

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy