Nigerian Teacher Quits Job After 13 Years to Become Suya Seller in London

A Nigerian man, Kolawole Ajayi, has sparked widespread reactions on social media after revealing that he quit his teaching career in Nigeria to become a full-time suya seller in London.

Ajayi’s story gained attention following a viral interview video shared on TikTok by @Onijekujelondon, where he was seen preparing suya and narrating his journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship abroad. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Speaking in the interview, Ajayi disclosed that he worked as a teacher for 13 years in Nigeria, while running suya business as a side hustle alongside other ventures such as YouTube content creation and catering services.

According to him, the decision to leave teaching was driven by financial realities.

“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 his suya business gradually grew to the point where it became more profitable and sustainable than his teaching job, motivating his move into entrepreneurship.

He added that the journey has not been without challenges, recounting moments when unexpected issues, such as weather conditions, affected his business operations — including an incident where strong wind reportedly scattered his suya pepper.

The viral video has triggered mixed reactions online, with users sharing both praise and criticism.

One TikTok user, @MrsHil, claimed to have personal knowledge of Ajayi, writing, “He managed my children’s nursery. Nice to see him thriving.”

However, others shared less positive experiences. A business owner, Non Tarnish Jewelry Store, commented that while they admired his content on YouTube, their personal encounter with him was disappointing due to his response.

Another user, @Venom, claimed Ajayi earned about £140 as a teacher in Nigeria, sparking further debate about teachers’ wages in the country.

Some commenters also criticized his food quality, while others made controversial claims about hygiene during the interview.

Ajayi’s story has reignited discussions around teacher welfare in Nigeria, the realities of migration, and the growing culture of Nigerians turning side hustles into full-time businesses abroad.

While opinions remain divided, his journey continues to trend across social media platforms.

@onijekuje.london So a little while back, we went to one of the most popular Suya dons in London, mone other than our very own @Kolawole Ajayi of Suyaar. He told us a bit about his experience moving from his job as a teacher and all the struggles he’s faced grinding along the way. As for the Suya, it still remains one of the best spots we’ve had suya at in London across the year. Weirdly, their jollof is also very elite. So what’s your best Suya spot in the city ? . . . #wheretoeatinlondon #onijekujelondon #africanfoodinuk #nigerianfood #suya ♬ original sound – onijekuje London