Preet Khatana was one of three joint winners of the Intercultural Conversations Competition run by United Nations Association Coventry in November 2024. He is Indian and he spoke to Andrew, who is Nigerian.

Cultural Exchange: A Conversation with Andrew

Cultural exchange has always been one of the most enriching aspects of human interaction. It offers us a window into the lives, beliefs, and values of people from diverse backgrounds. In my recent conversation with Andrew, a person from Nigeria, I gained significant insights into Nigerian culture, especially its academic traditions. Likewise, I had the opportunity to share aspects of my own country’s culture with him. Through this dialogue, we discovered not only the differences between our societies but also the many similarities that unite us as global citizens. This essay will explore the key takeaways from our conversation, focusing on the academic culture in Nigeria, my own cultural exchange, and the broader lessons we learned through this dialogue.

Nigerian Academic Culture: A Deep Dive

Andrew’s introduction to the academic culture of Nigeria opened my eyes to a world I had not previously explored. Nigeria, often regarded as the “Giant of Africa” due to its large population and growing economy, has a rich and complex educational system. From our conversation, I learned that education in Nigeria is highly valued, and academic success is often seen as a major route to social and economic mobility.

The Nigerian education system is structured much like that of many other countries, with primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. However, what stood out in our conversation was the emphasis placed on education as a vehicle for personal advancement and national development. Andrew explained that Nigerian families, regardless of their socioeconomic status, prioritize education for their children. In many households, parents make significant sacrifices to ensure their children have access to quality education, whether by paying for private schools or supporting them through long years of university education.

One key aspect Andrew emphasized was the competitive nature of the Nigerian academic environment. From a young age, students are encouraged to excel, not just for personal satisfaction but to meet societal expectations. There is a strong cultural belief that success in education can lead to a better life, making education both a goal and a social obligation. This culture of academic excellence is reflected in the rigorous nature of entrance examinations, such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which determine access to higher education institutions.

Andrew also touched on the role of universities in Nigeria. He mentioned that Nigerian universities, particularly institutions like the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and Obafemi Awolowo University, are seen as prestigious centers of learning. These institutions are home to some of the brightest minds in the country and often serve as breeding grounds for future leaders in various fields. Despite the challenges faced by the educational system, such as inadequate funding and frequent strikes by academic staff, Nigerian students remain resilient and determined to succeed.

Sharing My Culture

In return, I shared with Andrew the academic and cultural practices of my own country. Just like Nigeria, my country places high importance on education, but our systems differ in various ways. For instance, while Nigerian students face intense competition for limited university spaces, the situation in my country is somewhat more relaxed, with a broader range of educational opportunities available to students. However, one similarity is the shared belief in education as a tool for upward mobility, which is a common theme in many countries around the world.

In discussing my country’s culture, I highlighted the value placed on individualism and creativity in our educational system. Whereas Nigerian students are often encouraged to adhere strictly to the curriculum and excel in standardized examinations, students in my country are given more leeway to explore their personal interests and develop unique skills. This difference in approach reflects broader cultural differences between our societies. In Nigeria, there is a stronger emphasis on collective success and the role of education in contributing to national development, whereas in my country, there is a greater focus on personal growth and innovation.

We also discussed the role of culture in shaping academic life. I explained how, in my country, cultural diversity is celebrated and often reflected in the curriculum. For example, students are exposed to the literature, history, and art of various cultures, which fosters a sense of global citizenship. This is somewhat different from Nigeria, where, according to Andrew, the curriculum is more nationally focused, with a strong emphasis on Nigerian history, literature, and culture.

Lessons from the Exchange

Through our conversation, both Andrew and I gained a deeper understanding of how education and culture intersect to shape the experiences of students in our respective countries. One of the most significant lessons I learned is the role that context plays in shaping academic culture. In Nigeria, where economic challenges and limited resources often make education a highly competitive pursuit, students are driven by a strong desire to succeed against the odds. This resilience is admirable and reflects the broader Nigerian culture of perseverance and determination.

On the other hand, my country’s educational system, while also competitive, offers more opportunities for students to explore diverse interests. This reflects a cultural emphasis on individualism and personal fulfillment. However, it also made me realize that with more opportunities comes a different set of challenges, such as the pressure to stand out in a highly saturated academic environment.

Another important takeaway from our conversation was the realization that despite our cultural differences, education is a universal value. Whether in Nigeria or my own country, education serves as a bridge to a better future, a tool for personal and societal growth, and a means of fostering understanding between people of different backgrounds.

In conclusion, my conversation with Andrew was an eye-opening experience that broadened my understanding of both Nigerian and my own country’s academic cultures. Through this exchange, we were able to compare and contrast the challenges and opportunities that students face in different parts of the world, while also recognizing the shared values that unite us. This cultural dialogue reminded me of the importance of open-mindedness and the value of learning from others. Ultimately, it is through such exchanges that we can build a more connected and compassionate world.