Understanding the Lived Experiences of Highly Educated African Immigrants in the United States: A Case Study of Nigerians Living in Maryland
Project Stage
Project Topic
Methodology/Interviews
Data Analysis
Research Findings
Recommendations
Research Philosophy
As a researcher, I believe that our realities are shaped by our perception as humans. I have subjective ontologies with interpretivist approaches which are often aligned with qualitative methodologies and inductive reasoning approaches.
Research Basis
My Starting Observation for the Project
There is empirical evidence that African immigrants in the United States are underpaid and often work in positions for which they are overqualified.
Reframing the Observation as a Problem
Highly educated Nigerian immigrants living in Maryland may experience a lower standard of living and struggle to achieve career fulfillment due to their inability to fully utilize their academic and professional skills
Aim of the Research
The aim of this research is to provide deeper understanding into the challenges and barriers that prevent highly educated Nigerian immigrants living in Maryland from effectively utilizing their professional skills and achieving career fulfillment.
The Research Audience
The primary audience for this research includes immigrant advocacy groups in Maryland and state government agencies such as the Department of Labor, the Department of Commerce, and the newly established Maryland Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. Members of the public and the academic community in the state would also benefit from its findings
Research Questions
Central Research Questions
- To what extent does migration to the United States hinder highly educated Nigerian professionals from fully leveraging their academic and professional qualifications?
- What social and institutional barriers hinder highly educated Nigerian professionals living in Maryland from achieving their career goals?
The following sub-questions support this broad inquiry:
- What are the push and pull factors related to immigration, cultural assimilation, and the professional landscape?
- What challenges do highly educated African/Nigerian immigrants in the USA and specifically Maryland face in the professional landscape?
- What are the experiences of highly educated Nigerian/African immigrants in the U.S./Maryland regarding career development, cultural assimilation, and social integration?
- How do African and Nigerian immigrants navigate the dual cultural and economic challenges of their home country and their new home?
Thematic Focus Areas
Push-Pull Factors
Explores the motivations behind migration, including the push of political and economic instability in Nigeria and the pull of perceived opportunity and security in the U.S.
Cultural Assimilation/Social Integration
Examines how immigrants navigate new cultural environments, balancing the need to adapt to American norms while maintaining ties to Nigerian identity and values.
Professional Challenges and Career Advancement
Investigates barriers to career entry and growth, such as credential devaluation, underemployment, licensing requirements, and systemic discrimination.
Dual Cultural/Economic Challenges
Highlights the emotional and financial burden of adapting to a new culture while managing transnational responsibilities, including supporting family both in the U.S. and in Nigeria.
How the Research was Conducted
The study uses semi-structured interviews to collect rich descriptive data and applies narrative analysis to interpret participants' stories, capturing the nuanced ways they make sense of their migration and professional journeys.
Quote Wall
“STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN”
Participant 1
“I’M NOT REALLY FULLY USING ALL MY POTENTIALS”
Participant 9
“WHEREVER YOU FIND YOURSELF, MAKE AN IMPACT”
Participant 12
“FOR ME, HERE AND NIGERIA ARE ALMOST THE SAME”
Participant 15