A Nigerian-born doctor who practised in the United Kingdom for 11 years has shared why he left the NHS for Canada—revealing 10 key reasons that resonated strongly with many African migrants navigating global career mobility.

Dr. Pepple, who documented his journey on X (formerly Twitter), celebrated his first 100 days in Canada, highlighting better work–life balance, respect for family physicians, and immigration stability as major factors behind the move. His reflections have since sparked conversations across the Nigerian diaspora community, particularly among healthcare professionals weighing their next steps.

A Career Reset After 11 Years in the NHS

For more than a decade, the doctor served within the UK’s National Health Service—an environment many migrants describe as both rewarding and extremely demanding. But according to him, the decision to relocate was driven by a need for renewed respect, flexibility, and professional growth.

In Canada, he says, family physicians are placed at the centre of the healthcare system—something he feels is often missing in the UK.

“Family physicians get genuine respect here. Our contribution is visible and valued,”
— Dr. Pepple (@drpepple_)

He also describes deeper appreciation from patients and a more structured healthcare model that enables better balance and personal focus areas, including medical education, women’s health, and lifestyle medicine.

Why Canada? 10 Reasons His Move Resonates with Migrants

Below are the highlights from his 100-day reflection:

1. Higher Respect for Family Physicians

He notes that Canada places GPs at the heart of the healthcare system, improving morale and professional value.

2. Greater Patient Appreciation

Communities respond warmly to doctors, and this cultural difference, he says, increases daily job satisfaction.

3. Better Work–Life Balance

The Canadian system offers more flexible scheduling—important for professionals juggling family demands and side projects.

4. Space for Passion Projects

He has been able to develop Finance for Medics, medical education content, and specialised health programs for men aged 40+.

5. Opportunity to Teach and Mentor

With his postgraduate qualification in medical education, Canada gives him wider avenues for academic involvement.

6. High Demand for Doctors

Millions of Canadians do not have a family doctor, enabling him to build long-term patient relationships and community impact.

7. Fair Remuneration

He describes Canada’s pay model for family physicians as “fair and stable”.

8. Better Long-Term Immigration Pathways

He highlights that Canada offers clearer security for migrants seeking eventual citizenship—an important factor for many Nigerians abroad.

9. Global Exposure

After practising in Africa and Europe, moving to North America opened new networks and experiences.

10. A Fresh Start

He sees Canada as a place to merge his UK experience with new opportunities to innovate, mentor, and lead.

Within three months, he says he has already “changed two jobs, moved cities, expanded networks, and grown in net worth.”

The Nigerian Diaspora Angle: What This Means for Migrants From the UK

Many Nigerians who migrated first to the UK are now considering secondary migration—a move from the UK to Canada, the US, or Australia—primarily due to:
• the UK’s increasingly restrictive migration rules
• rising living costs
• uncertainty around visas and sponsorship
• NHS pressures and burnout
• limited progression pathways for some professions

Under the UK’s updated immigration rules (as outlined on gov.uk), restrictions on dependants for students, increased salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas, and tighter family visa requirements have made long-term settlement more complicated for non-UK-born workers.

For many, Canada’s transparent pathways—such as the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs—offer more certainty for career growth and family stability.

Healthcare professionals, especially, find Canada’s demand-driven system more attractive than the UK model currently under strain.

A Growing Trend Among Nigerian Professionals

Dr. Pepple’s experience mirrors a broader pattern observed in the Nigerian diaspora community:
• UK-trained Nigerian nurses relocating to Canada for better pay
• IT professionals leaving the UK due to immigration tightening
• Families pursuing the more predictable Canadian PR pathway
• Young professionals seeking work–life balance and community support

Diaspora forums, including japaforum.com, increasingly report rising interest in Canada as the next destination for Nigerians who initially chose the UK.

What His Story Represents

Dr. Pepple’s journey is not simply about moving countries—it reflects:
• the search for professional respect
• the desire for stability
• the need for community
• the pursuit of long-term immigration security
• the global mobility ambitions of Africans redefining their career paths

His reflections also highlight the complex journeys of Nigerian migrants who continue to build futures across continents.

Source:
Original reflections shared by Dr. Pepple (@drpepple_) on X.