Nigerian youths seeking better opportunities abroad have been warned that relocating does not automatically guarantee employment.

Tribune reported that speaking with journalists in Ilorin, financial market and technology expert Abubakar Bello also cautioned young Nigerians against chasing quick wealth through betting and other get-rich-quick schemes that promise overnight success without creating genuine value.

Bello, the 32-year-old Ilorin-born tech expert, drew from nearly a decade of professional experience in Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Kingdom to dismiss the widespread belief that relocating abroad automatically guarantees career success.

He argued that global employers are more interested in competence than nationality, adding that professionals who build relevant skills, obtain internationally recognised certifications and develop strong portfolios can compete successfully anywhere in the world.

“The biggest misconception is that a globally competitive career is primarily about location. The real question employers ask is, ‘What can you do?’ not where you come from,” he said.

While acknowledging that working abroad offers greater exposure, higher earning potential and stronger professional networks, Bello warned that migrating without adequate preparation often leaves many Nigerians struggling to rebuild their careers from scratch.

He added that world-class careers can still be built from Nigeria, especially with the growing opportunities in the global remote work economy.

Bello said his experience at MALhub Ilorin, which has trained thousands of young Nigerians and supported more than 1,000 businesses, shows that discipline, mentorship and consistently solving real problems are what distinguish successful entrepreneurs from those who fail.