Why Nigerian Parents Are Warming Up to Tech Careers (And How to Explain It to Yours)

Once upon a time, if you told your Nigerian parents you wanted to be a “software engineer,” they’d ask, “Engineer that cannot fix generator?”

Fast-forward to today, Nigerian techies are buying cars, traveling abroad, and building houses, all without stepping into a traditional office. And slowly but surely, parents are beginning to understand that tech is not a phase — it’s the future.

So why the sudden shift? And how can you help your own parents see that choosing a tech path isn’t “wasting your degree”?

1. The Evidence Is Everywhere

From the comfort of their homes, Nigerian tech workers are:

• Earning in dollars from clients abroad
• Building startups and apps solving local problems
• Getting visas through tech talent programs (like UK’s Global Talent Visa)
• Appearing in the news, giving TEDx talks, and being featured on CNN or Techpoint

When parents see these wins, the resistance starts to melt.

2. COVID-19 Changed Everything

During the pandemic, many “stable” jobs disappeared — but tech kept running.

People with coding, design, or digital skills worked from home while others struggled. This was a wake-up call for many Nigerian families, tech isn’t just about laptops — it’s about job security and future-proofing.

3. There’s Big Money in Tech

Let’s face it: many Nigerian parents just want to know: “Can it feed you?”

The answer is yes.

Here’s what many tech professionals in Nigeria now earn monthly:

• Junior developer: ₦150k – ₦400k
• UI/UX Designer: ₦200k – ₦500k
• Remote tech roles: $1,000+ (over ₦1.2M)
• Freelance tech gigs: variable, but often more than salary jobs

Once your parents see steady income or you help out with bills, they’ll ask fewer questions.

4. You Can Still Be a “Professional” in Tech

A common worry is: “But you didn’t go to school for this!”

Let them know that:

• Many tech careers are certified  with Google, Meta, Microsoft, etc.
• You can even go back to school later, if you want to, tech doesn’t stop education.
• The global shift values skills over certificates — many companies don’t even ask for a degree anymore.

5. How to Talk to Your Parents About It

Here are simple, respectful ways to explain your tech dreams:

a. Show them examples
Find Nigerian tech professionals on LinkedIn or YouTube and show your parents: “This is someone from Abeokuta. He now works for a company in Canada.”

b. Tell them your plan
Say, “I’m not just playing with my laptop. I’m learning XYZ course, and I aim to start earning by [month].”

c. Share your little wins
Even if it’s a ₦20k freelance job — tell them! It builds trust.

d. Let them see your progress
Working on something cool? Show them. It helps them connect.

e. Respectfully ask for time
Say, “Give me 6 months to prove myself with this. If it doesn’t work, I’ll reconsider.”

6. What If They Still Don’t Support You?

That happens but don’t let it stop you.

Many successful techies in Nigeria today started without support. Some learned at night, hid their laptops, or used office cafés. You do what you have to do until your results speak for you.

Eventually, those same parents may become your biggest fans.

My Advice for you

Parents mean well, they just want the best for you. The more you can show that tech is a serious career with real future, the easier it is for them to support you.

So if your passion is tech, go for it. Prove it with your work, consistency, and growth.

Even the loudest doubters will one day say: “That’s my son — the software engineer.”