A former Nigerian teacher who spent over a decade shaping young minds has made headlines after quitting the classroom to pursue a full-time career selling suya on the bustling streets of London. His journey — from educator to entrepreneur — has ignited widespread discussion about career choices, passion, financial reality, and the evolving definition of success in an increasingly competitive world.
From Classroom to Suya Stand: The Story of Kolawole Ajayi
Kolawole Ajayi, a Nigerian national, announced his career transformation in a viral interview that has since taken social media by storm. Ajayi spent 13 years teaching at nursery and primary levels in Nigeria, balancing his role in education with a part-time hustle preparing and selling suya — a beloved Nigerian grilled delicacy known for its bold flavours and cultural significance.
In the interview, Ajayi explained that while teaching was once his full-time profession, his entrepreneurial efforts eventually began to overshadow his classroom earnings. Over the years, he added other income streams to his portfolio including content creation on YouTube and catering for barbecue events — all of which contributed to his growing financial independence.
He revealed that as his passive income from suya, catering, and digital work grew to represent a significant portion of his earnings — nearly half of his teaching salary — he made the bold decision to pivot fully into his passion business. Today, Ajayi operates his suya stand in London, where he continues to cook with the same dedication and flair that built his reputation back home.
The Motivation Behind the Move
Ajayi’s decision highlights a deep-rooted theme faced by many professionals: the pursuit of sustainable income versus traditional career stability. In his own words, the transition to full-time suya entrepreneurship was driven not by a lack of love for teaching, but by economic reality and opportunity.
For years, his suya business was a side venture — a passion project he nurtured alongside his teaching responsibilities. As his culinary skills matured and customer demand increased, the business began to generate reliable income, prompting him to reassess his career priorities. Eventually, the suya business became more financially viable than his teaching salary, leading him to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.
This candid revelation has struck a chord with many Nigerians who grapple with job satisfaction, wage stagnation, and the pursuit of alternative income streams in a challenging economic environment.
Mixed Reactions Across Social Media
News of Ajayi’s career shift has surfaced mixed reactions from the online community. Supporters have applauded his courage and resilience, highlighting the importance of following one’s entrepreneurial dreams and creating economic autonomy. At least one social media user shared that they personally knew Ajayi from his teaching days, celebrating his success outside the classroom.
However, not all responses have been positive. Some commentators criticised his food quality, suggesting that his suya might not rival the best offerings in London. Others questioned his hygiene practices, sparking broader debate about the standards of street food entrepreneurship. There were even comments about teacher salaries in Nigeria, with one user implying that Ajayi’s former earnings were relatively low compared to the potential of entrepreneurial ventures abroad.
The variety of feedback illustrates how Ajayi’s story resonates with broader national discourses — about opportunity, value, identity, and what it means to succeed both at home and abroad.
What This Means for Nigerian Teachers and Young Professionals
Ajayi’s experience underscores significant challenges within Nigeria’s education sector, where many teachers — despite years of service — face financial limitations that often drive them to seek supplemental income or alternative careers. While some educators remain dedicated to classroom service, others are exploring entrepreneurial ventures or opportunities overseas that promise greater financial stability and personal fulfilment.
His story also exemplifies a growing trend among young Nigerians: leveraging side hustles into full-time businesses. Whether through food businesses, digital content creation, or other creative enterprises, many are identifying new pathways to economic independence outside traditional employment.
A Personal Journey with Universal Themes
At its heart, Ajayi’s narrative is not just about selling suya in London — it is a story about courage, self-determination, and the courage to reinvent oneself. It communicates that passion, when paired with perseverance and market demand, can open doors to opportunities that once seemed unconventional or risky.
As discussions continue, his story serves as both inspiration and provocation — inviting Nigerians everywhere to reflect on how they define success, pursue their passions, and navigate the balance between professional fulfillment and financial sustainability.
