Emdee Tiamiyu, a Nigerian YouTuber, has stood by his recent controversial interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), stating that he stands by every word he said. Tiamiyu sparked outrage when he claimed that Nigerians only view admission to schools in the United Kingdom (UK) as a way to escape their home country. The YouTuber, who is popular for offering advice to Nigerians on how to study in the UK, stated that most people are not after new qualifications but instead plan to begin a new life abroad. His comments were made in the light of new UK immigration rules that will prevent foreign students, including those from Nigeria, from bringing family members as dependents unless they fall under specific circumstances.
Tiamiyu’s interview with the BBC ignited a social media backlash with many Nigerians accusing the YouTuber of betrayal and sabotage. Tiamiyu, who hosted a Twitter Space to address the criticism he faced, denied seeking popularity, remarking that he was grateful to be one of the leading voices in Nigeria’s educational sector. In a later video conversation with broadcaster Ifedayo Olarinde aka Daddy Freeze, Tiamiyu stated that he was reconsidering his approach, acknowledging that he would need to strike a balance between frankness and diplomacy in his future comments.
Despite the criticism he faced, Tiamiyu remained steadfast, reiterating that his remarks were truthful. He emphasized that he aims to bring about positive change and that he is not seeking popularity with controversial statements and interviews.
