Dear Nigerian Parents, Please Let Me Have a Say in My Own Life

Many Nigerian parents plan their children’s futures with love and good intentions. They want us to study respected courses, attend certain schools, get stable jobs, marry well and avoid the struggles they faced. But sometimes, those plans leave little room for our own dreams. What if I want to choose a different university, study abroad, build a business, work in technology, become a filmmaker or follow a career you do not fully understand? Wanting a different path should not automatically be seen as disrespect or ingratitude. I can value my parents’ sacrifices and still want a future that reflects my abilities and ambitions. The same applies to marriage. Parents can advise us, point out warning signs and share their experience, but they should not decide who we spend our lives with. A successful life is not one fixed formula. What worked for one person may not be the right path for another. Children should listen carefully, make practical plans and accept responsibility for their choices. But parents should also listen before dismissing our ideas. Guidance should prepare us to make responsible decisions, not prevent us from becoming who we are meant to be.

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