Diaspora Nigerian Questions Nigerian Tutor's UK-Level Fee Structure for Online Classes
A Nigerian tech professional based in the United Kingdom has ignited a significant online discussion after publicly expressing his frustration with a Nigeria-based tutor who allegedly attempted to charge him UK-level fees for online teaching services for his children.
Tech Professional Details Alleged Overcharging Incident
The man, identified as Tosin Olugbenga, took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his experience. According to his account, the tutor reportedly researched online tutoring rates in the United Kingdom, discovered prices as high as £70 per hour, and then attempted to use this figure as a benchmark for charging him, despite operating from Nigeria.
Tosin questioned the economic logic behind this approach, pointing out that if he could afford to pay UK tutoring rates, he would likely seek services within the UK rather than looking to Nigeria. He emphasized the disparity in living costs and operational expenses between the two countries.
Comparisons to Global Business Practices Highlighted
To support his argument, Tosin referenced how multinational corporations typically adjust their pricing models based on regional economic factors. He specifically mentioned that X Premium subscriptions are notably cheaper in Nigeria compared to the United Kingdom. Additionally, he cited the common practice of American companies establishing call centers in countries like India to benefit from lower operational costs.
"You want to charge someone to teach their kids. Because they are in the UK, you went online to check the price of tutoring for an hour, you saw £70 and then you based your benchmark on that," Tosin wrote in his post. "So if I have £70 to pay per hour, you think I will consider hiring from Nigeria?"
He further challenged the tutor's pricing strategy by stating, "If you want to start charging in dollar and pounds, you better come and join us in the UK and pay the bills and taxes like we do."
Online Community Reacts with Diverse Perspectives
The post quickly garnered attention and sparked a lively debate among social media users about fair pricing, location-based rates, and the valuation of professional skills regardless of geography.
Some commenters defended the tutor's right to charge premium rates based on expertise. User @ThisBabatunde argued, "I charge clients 'reasonable' prices even if I live in Nigeria, £70 isn't bad please, if you know your onion, have put in the work and have the right portfolio. Yes, charge sensibly, never underprice yourself because of your location."
Others questioned the economic feasibility of such rates within the Nigerian context. User @ademi_nokan calculated, "£70 per hour. So two hrs will be £140. £140 = N260,000. Please how much is that teacher salary in Nigeria in a month?" This comment highlighted the significant disparity between the proposed fee and typical Nigerian income levels.
Another perspective came from @Archandey5, who noted, "Na where pakis get sense pass us be this, they will gladly take £20," suggesting that professionals in other regions might offer more competitive pricing for similar services.
Broader Implications for Remote Service Economy
This incident raises important questions about pricing strategies in the growing remote service economy, particularly for Nigerian professionals serving international clients. The debate touches on several key issues:
- The tension between charging based on skill value versus geographic location
- Economic disparities between service providers and clients in different countries
- The globalization of service markets and appropriate pricing models
- How Nigerian professionals can competitively position themselves in international markets
The discussion reflects broader conversations about how professionals in developing economies should price their services when catering to clients in more affluent regions. While some argue for location-adjusted pricing, others advocate for charging based solely on the quality and value of the service provided, regardless of the provider's physical location.
This case serves as a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing Nigerian professionals in the digital economy, where geographic boundaries are increasingly blurred but economic realities remain distinctly different across regions.
