Nigerian Doctor's Ordeal with Unpaid Salaries Leads to UK Relocation
A Nigerian medical professional, Toluwani Binutu, has shared a harrowing account of his experience working in Nigeria's healthcare system, where he endured 14 months without receiving a salary. This situation ultimately compelled him to seek opportunities abroad, leading to his relocation to the United Kingdom after taking out loans to finance the move.
The Struggle with Unpaid Wages and Blacklisting
In a detailed Facebook post, Binutu narrated how he began his career as a supernumerary doctor at a Military Hospital in Lagos after completing medical school. He was later absorbed as permanent staff, yet despite performing ward rounds, emergency calls, and night shifts, he received no payment for months. "We were advised not to leave. 'If you leave, you may never get paid.' So we stayed," he recalled.
The situation escalated when he and colleagues went on strike and shared their story on national television, which resulted in the release of eight months' salary out of the 14 months owed. However, this action led to severe repercussions: they were blacklisted, blocked from signing off for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and reported, leaving Binutu jobless and without income for seven months.
A Turning Point and Decision to Relocate
This period of hardship profoundly impacted Binutu, teaching him that "hard work alone is not enough. Sometimes you need leverage." Years later, after securing permanent staff status elsewhere, he faced a reduction in his net salary, a moment that prompted his mother to cry and solidified his resolve to build leverage and seek better prospects.
To achieve his goal of moving to the UK, Binutu made significant sacrifices: he lived with his parents, avoided purchasing a car, saved aggressively, and took out loans. His determination paid off, as he successfully relocated and began working in the UK.
Success and Reflections on the UK Experience
Within just six months of working in the UK, Binutu managed to clear all his loans. He then focused on building an online presence, not for fame but for influence. Today, over 1,000,000 people follow his work, a testament to his refusal to remain powerless. "Money and influence are not evil. They amplify whoever holds them," he stated, offering encouragement to young professionals feeling stuck, emphasizing that their response to challenges will define them.
Public Reactions and Related Stories
Binutu's story has resonated widely, with many netizens expressing sympathy and admiration. Christian Chibuikem Uchenwoke commented, "That's what our country gives to its citizen but no matter what God must surely intervene in our situation." Onyinyeoma Esther Enyiazu highlighted the importance of leverage, while Vera Bwankhot described the account as heartbreaking.
This narrative aligns with other recent stories of Nigerians abroad, such as a man returning to Nigeria after 33 years in the UK and a nurse coming back after eight years. In a contrasting case, a lady who relocated to the UK announced her permanent return to Nigeria after two years, citing personal reasons that sparked discussions online.
The broader context of this story touches on issues within Nigeria's healthcare and employment sectors, where unpaid salaries and poor working conditions have driven many professionals to seek opportunities overseas. Binutu's journey underscores the resilience and adaptability required to navigate such challenges, serving as an inspiration to others facing similar struggles.
