In the wake of a heated backlash following his recent interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation, Nigerian YouTuber, Emdee Tiamiyu has remained resolute in his stance, defending his controversial statements about Nigerians seeking education in the United Kingdom as a means to escape their homeland.
Renowned for his guidance on studying in the UK, Tiamiyu asserted that many Nigerians are not primarily seeking new qualifications but are rather looking to start afresh abroad.
He emphasized that the student route provides an opportunity for ordinary individuals to seek a better life, stating, “The student route is more like an answered prayer. It is a big bracket that’s able to take a lot of people, the ordinary people.”
These remarks sparked widespread criticism and accusations of sabotage and betrayal from Nigerians, particularly on social media platforms.
The backlash coincided with new immigration regulations that restrict Nigerian students and others studying in the UK from bringing family members as dependents, except under specific circumstances.
Responding to the onslaught of negative feedback, Tiamiyu hosted a Twitter Space session, where he expressed gratitude for being one of the leading voices in his field.
He clarified that his intentions were not to seek popularity through the interview, emphasizing his focus on making a meaningful impact and changing lives.
Tiamiyu, however, remained unapologetic, stating, “I am very real. DJ Real is learning from me. I am very humane and personable.”
In a separate video chat with popular broadcaster Ifedayo Olarinde, known as Daddy Freeze, the Youtuber added, “I do know I would have to find the balance between being real and being diplomatic. If you want to be real, you will offend people. People don dey curse you since because you were mentioning why are they japaring [migrating abroad]…”
Daddy Freeze added that he doesn’t have a problem with what was said but where he (Tiamiyu) said it.
