Nigerian Teacher Abandons Classroom for Suya Business in London

A Nigerian, Kolawole Ajayi, has generated widespread reactions on social media after disclosing that he left his profession as a nursery and primary school teacher in Nigeria to become a full-time suya seller in London.
Ajayi’s story came to public attention through a viral TikTok interview conducted by @Onijekujelondon, in which he was seen preparing suya while narrating his journey from teaching to entrepreneurship abroad.

In the interview, Ajayi revealed that he spent 13 years working as a teacher in Nigeria while operating a suya business as a side hustle. He explained that alongside teaching, he explored other sources of income, including YouTube content creation, catering services and barbecue businesses.
According to him, economic realities eventually influenced his decision to leave paid employment for full-time business.
“I was doing it for like 13 years as a side hustle. I was cooking, doing YouTube videos, catering for people, and doing barbecues. When my passive income became about half of my salary, I decided to leave my nursery job and focus on this full-time,” he said.
Ajayi explained that as the suya business expanded, it became more profitable and sustainable than his teaching job, prompting him to fully embrace entrepreneurship.
He noted that the journey had not been without challenges, recounting experiences such as unfavourable weather conditions that affected his business, including an incident where strong winds scattered his suya pepper.
The viral video has continued to attract mixed reactions online. While some social media users commended his courage and resilience, others expressed criticism.
One TikTok user, @MrsHil, claimed to have personal knowledge of Ajayi, stating, “He managed my children’s nursery. Nice to see him thriving.”
However, other commenters shared less favourable opinions. A business owner, Non Tarnish Jewelry Store, said they admired his YouTube content but described a personal interaction with him as disappointing.
Another user, @Venom, alleged that Ajayi earned about £140 as a teacher in Nigeria, a claim that reignited debates over teachers’ welfare and remuneration in the country.
Some social media users also questioned the quality of his food, while others raised concerns about hygiene during the interview. (The Nation, but headline rejigged).