A 48-year-old primary school teacher and father of three has ignited widespread debate after posting a list of exacting requirements for a potential wife on a dating group for 'Southern Kaduna singles.' The man, who lost his wife nearly six years ago, is seeking a young woman between 18 and 21 years old who is an orphan, unemployed, and willing to submit fully to his authority.
The Post and Its Requirements
In his post, which was shared on the Linda Ikeji blog, the teacher outlined his conditions in detail. 'I am a 48-year-old dedicated Primary School Teacher. I lost my wife almost 6 yrs ago, I have 3 energetic children who need a new mother’s touch,' he wrote. He explained that a friend advised him to extend his search to social media because 'it makes the world a global village.'
He specified that the woman must be between 18 and 21 years old, stating: 'I need someone young who still has her "original" energy to run after my children and look after me. I don’t want an "old" woman of 25 or 30 who will be giving me high blood pressure with her opinions.' He also demanded that she not be working, as her job would be to 'stay at home, wait for me to return from school, and ensure my water is hot and my food is ready.'
Regarding family ties, the teacher insisted that the woman must be an orphan with no more than one sibling, and that sibling must live far away. 'I cannot afford to be paying "in-law" tax or sending bags of rice to your village every Christmas,' he wrote. Physical requirements included being 'very tall, chocolate skin, and "heavy" both top and bottom,' and he forbade makeup and trousers, requiring long skirts instead. He concluded by emphasizing discipline: 'Because I am a teacher, I value discipline. Please, you must be ready to submit 100%.'
Public Reaction and Criticism
Nigerians on social media reacted strongly to the post, with many criticizing the teacher’s demands as unrealistic and patriarchal. Some commenters questioned why a young woman would accept such conditions, while others accused him of seeking a servant rather than a partner. The post has been widely shared, sparking discussions about gender roles, age gaps, and the expectations placed on women in marriage.
One commenter wrote: 'This man wants a slave, not a wife. He should be looking for a housekeeper, not a life partner.' Another stated: 'The fact that he wants an orphan so there are no in-laws is just sad. Marriage is about building a family, not isolating someone.'
Implications and Context
The teacher’s post highlights ongoing debates about traditional versus modern marriage expectations in Nigeria. While some may agree with his desire for a homemaker, the specific demands—especially the age bracket and the requirement for orphanhood—have drawn sharp criticism. The post also reflects economic pressures, as the teacher acknowledged his modest salary and unwillingness to support extended family.
As of now, it is unclear whether any woman has responded positively to the posting. The teacher urged interested parties to 'link up for a brief interview' and warned against 'scarams [scams] and games.' The story continues to trend on social media, with many awaiting updates on whether his conditions will be met.
