Viral myths and the realities of studying in the UK, by Folorunso Adisa
A few minutes ago, I watched a compelling and nuanced issue that has gained wide attention on social media. A TikTok clip by a UK-based Nigerian content creator humorously framed the experiences of international students, particularly Nigerians, in British universities. His central, exaggerated claims suggested that students hoping to make British friends or refine their English would be disappointed, alleging that classes are dominated by Indian students and that Yoruba is effectively used as a medium of communication. He even went as far as joking that some UK universities resemble Nigerian polytechnics. Although made for viral effect, the clip blends partial truths with sweeping exaggerations and clear inaccuracies about campus life and institutional standards.
It is true that, owing to the UK’s global appeal and visa policies, students will often encounter large international cohorts, especially from India and Pakistan. This demographic reality sometimes leads students to form friendships within their national groups, which can limit opportunities for local British connections. However, the claim that Yoruba is a medium of instruction, or even widely spoken during official class time, is entirely false. Any use of Yoruba is informal and restricted to private conversations among Nigerian students during breaks or social interactions. More importantly, the clip ignores significant differences in institutional reputation and academic environments across the UK.
Lest I forget, I would like to ask: Haroun, is Hausa the medium of communication at the University of Oxford? Adebisi, is Yoruba the medium of communication at the University of Cambridge? Ayomo, is Yoruba the medium of communication at the University of Glasgow? And Oloyede, is any Nigerian language the medium of teaching or communication at the University of Strathclyde?
The creator’s observation about high concentrations of international students may be somewhat accurate in certain departments at universities such as Hull, Hertfordshire, Glasgow Caledonian, and others with high Nigerian enrolment. But this experience is demonstrably untrue at top-tier institutions across the UK. Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL,Manchester, Durham, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cranfield and Strathclyde host diverse, globally competitive student bodies that give a broad linguistic and cultural mix far removed from the caricature presented in the video.
The most misleading claim, however, is the comparison of UK universities to Nigerian polytechnics. This analogy is academically unsound and collapses under basic scrutiny. For example, the University of Birmingham, one of the institutions casually mocked (as Ibadan Poly), regularly ranks among the top 100 universities in the world, 93rd at the moment. Even universities perceived as “less prestigious”, such as Coventry University, consistently fall within the competitive 600-band globally. Comparing any of these internationally recognised institutions to local polytechnics is not only inaccurate but diminishes the global value and credibility of a British university degree.
Content creators may rely on humour and exaggeration, but such portrayals should not mislead prospective students. Context matters. British universities, even at the middle tier, operate at standards far above most Nigerian institutions and confer qualifications that carry international weight. Accuracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of comedy or virality.
