Babatunde Yusuf, a Nigerian-Canadian technology professional and entrepreneur, has opened up about his deportation from Japan and how the experience became a turning point in his journey to Canada….
Babatunde Yusuf, a Nigerian-Canadian technology professional and , has opened up about his deportation from Japan and how the experience became a turning point in his journey to Canada.
Yusuf, who appeared on TVC News’ Diaspora Connect over the weekend, said he travelled to Japan shortly after completing his university education after an agent secured a visitor visa for him.
He said he was however stopped at the airport by Japanese immigration officials who questioned the purpose of his visit and eventually ordered him to return to Nigeria.
According to him, the experience was devastating, particularly because his family had contributed money towards the trip.
He said the deportation left him depressed and struggling with sleeplessness before he eventually decided to rebuild his life.
“I experienced what is called PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night. I just wouldn’t be able to sleep.”
Yusuf said he eventually began pursuing professional certifications after realising that his computer science degree could provide another path.
He obtained a Cisco networking certification and later secured employment with Etisalat Nigeria, where he gained opportunities to travel to countries including China, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
However, he eventually relocated to Canada in 2015 as a student.
Reflecting on his experience, Yusuf said the failed attempt to relocate to Japan taught him resilience and forced him to reconsider his approach to life.
He advised Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad to prepare mentally and emotionally for setbacks and the possibility of starting again from the bottom.
Yusuf is now a technology and cybersecurity professional and entrepreneur, with businesses spanning automotive trade and logistics between Canada and Nigeria.
