Nigerian Teacher Quits 13-Year Career to Become Top Suya Seller in London, Sparks Mixed Reactions Online

In a story that has set social media ablaze, a Nigerian man identified as Kolawole Ajayi has quit his teaching job after 13 years to chase his passion for suya full-time in London, United Kingdom. The former nursery and primary school teacher’s journey from the classroom to becoming one of Peckham’s go-to “Suya Dons” is trending on TikTok and beyond, with many hailing it as an inspiring hustle success while others debate teacher pay and personal encounters.

The viral moment came from a candid interview shared by popular London-based TikTok creator @Onijekujelondon (also styled @onijekuje.london), where Ajayi was filmed grilling suya while opening up about his transition. “I was doing it for like 13 years as a side hustle. I was cooking, doing YouTube videos, catering for people, and doing barbecues. When my passive income became about half of my salary, I decided to leave my nursery job and focus on this full-time,” Ajayi revealed in the clip.

Ajayi, born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, developed his love for cooking early despite cultural norms that kept boys out of the kitchen. At age nine, he impressed his mother by preparing brown beans. He honed skills at his uncle’s eatery during university (studying Agricultural Economics at LAUTECH), learning meat pies and more. He later earned a B.Ed from Middlesex University and a BBA from the University of East London after moving to the UK for further studies.

He launched his YouTube channel (@Nigeriacuisine, now with over 93,000 subscribers and millions of views across platforms) in 2012 to teach simple Nigerian recipes and promote African cuisine globally. This grew alongside his suya side hustle, catering, and barbecues while teaching in Nigeria.

From Side Hustle to Peckham Empire

Ajayi’s business, Suuyar (also spelled Suyaar or Suuya r), is now a popular Nigerian barbecue spot at 152B Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4NB. Located in the vibrant, diverse Peckham community, it serves authentic suya (spiced grilled meat rooted in Hausa-Fulani traditions but loved across Africa), plus dishes like Agege bread, Banga soup, Edikaikong, Okazi, and Oha soups. Some reports highlight it as home to London’s first all-you-can-eat suya buffet, drawing the African diaspora and locals who crave “home” flavours.

He has been praised by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa during a visit to Nigerian businesses in the UK. Ajayi’s philosophy? Hard work, integrity, no shortcuts, and helping others succeed while keeping Nigerian food simple and accessible: “I don’t like cutting corners. I have a good heart and believe in giving people reasons to succeed.”

Challenges in the UK Grind

Success hasn’t been smooth. Ajayi recounted weather woes typical of London’s unpredictable climate, including a strong wind that once scattered his suya pepper mid-prep. Outdoor grilling in winter or summer brings its own battles.

Mixed Reactions and Teacher Pay Debate

Social media responses are divided. Positive vibes came from @MrsHil, who claimed, “He managed my children’s nursery. Nice to see him thriving.” But others were critical: Non Tarnish Jewelry Store said they loved his YouTube content but found a personal encounter disappointing. @Venom claimed Ajayi earned about £140 (roughly equivalent at the time to a modest Nigerian nursery salary) as a teacher, igniting fierce debates on Nigeria’s low teacher wages—where many primary educators earn ₦30,000–₦100,000+ monthly depending on public/private and experience, often barely covering basics amid inflation and devaluation.

Critics also picked on food quality and hygiene in the interview clip. Yet, fans celebrate him as proof that side hustles can eclipse formal jobs, especially amid Nigeria’s economic pressures driving migration and entrepreneurship abroad.

Broader Implications

Ajayi’s story underscores harsh realities: poor teacher welfare pushing many out of classrooms, the power of digital platforms like YouTube for diaspora hustlers, and Nigerians exporting culture through food. Peckham’s strong community has been key to his growth, turning suya into a bridge for African pride in the UK.

As the video continues trending, Ajayi remains focused on grilling, teaching recipes, and building his brand. Whether you see him as a bold entrepreneur or a cautionary tale on education pay, his journey from Ibadan classrooms to London grills is pure Naija resilience.

Have you tried suya at Suuyar or similar spots in the diaspora? Drop your thoughts in the comments—what would make you quit your 9-5 for a side hustle?

(Sources include viral TikTok clips, Ajayi’s YouTube/website, and reports from The Nation, BusinessDay, and social commentary.)