Volunteer in Nigeria

Nigeria is the heart of West Africa and the most populous country on the continent.

Partly due to an incredible diversity of cultures - there are over 450 ethnic dialects - Nigeria has never succeeded in becoming a truly unified and stable state. Though currently run by a democratically elected government, underlying ethnic and religious tensions remain. Widespread poverty is at the root of many of Nigeria’s current problems.

Volunteering in Nigeria is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for those who want a genuine experience of modern Africa. Safety is a key factor - only projects in a safe location have been chosen. Participants work alongside their local counterparts on a range of vital projects, gaining hands-on experience and an understanding of life in Nigeria.

Volunteer Abroad Program Overview — Nigeria

Arrival - Accommodation -Workplace Fees - Excursions

Arrival and Orientation

You will arrive in Nigeria at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos.

A SYTO Representative will be there to meet you. Look for the SYTO Sign with logo. You will be transferred to your overnight accommodation.

The orientation will be for five nights/six days. This orientation is to help you adjust to life in Nigeria. There will be a series of visits and discussions on health issues, cultural orientation, local language lessons and more. You will be given a city tour and be shown how to use the public transport, use the telephone, post office etc. At the end of the Orientation, all participants will be transferred to their accommodation and work placement.

***NOTE: We encourage participants coming to Nigeria to arrive by 3 pm. in order to enable us to make the road travel to Ibadan for orientation on the same day. Participants arriving after 3 pm will be charged an additional 50 USD to cover the cost of an overnight stay before orientation.

Accommodation

SYTO will make arrangements for housing. Accommodation is usually an approved home stay with Nigerian families. Occasionally, an organization may make accommodation available for participants on the work site or within the work site area. The accommodation usually has basic furnishings. In some instances, there may be no running water, electricity, or it may be sporadic.

Workplace Conditions

We make an effort to find a suitable placement based on your areas of interest and qualifications.in a Nigerian classroom It is SYTO Nigeria's belief that you must be flexible and willing to turn your hands to whatever is required of you. It is very important for you to know that if you do not find the project suitable and you insist on changing your work placement, SYTO will endeavor to find a replacement as soon as possible. However, it may take some time, perhaps a few weeks, to be able to find you another work site.

Placements can be in the rural or urban areas within the country. SYTO will not place you on any project if we believe that the placement area is not SAFE. You will be working with Nigerian counterparts. Be open-minded and feel free to make meaningful suggestions and interact with them. Nigerians will be very warm and friendly when they feel their gestures will be appreciated.

Program fees 2008*

4 weeks - US$ 1195
6 weeks - US$ 1255
2 months - US$ 1315
3 months - US$ 1435
4 months - US$ 1555
5 months - US$ 1675
6 months - US$ 1795

What is Included

Application processing, interview and pre-departure information
Program Administration by SYTO
Work Placement
Accommodation placement and meals
Visa processing and extension services up to a maximum of 3 months
Airport meet and greet - at Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos
Transfer to accommodation for orientation
Bed and Breakfast for (5 nights 6 days in Ibadan)
Orientation prior to beginning of work
Transfer to permanent accommodation / work placement after arrival orientation
On-going Support Services by SYTO

What isn't Included

Travel to and from Nigeria
Entry Visa fees
Additional fee for overnight stay for arrival after 3 pm (as described above)***
Renewal Visa fees
Insurance (travel and medical)
Personal travel cost within the country
Airport drop-off at the end of the program

Excursions

During your stay here, there are tourist sites and historical sights to be visited. We can assist you and suggest places to be visited; if you need a tour guide, arrangements can be made for you on request.

Interesting sites include: Erin-Ijesha water falls, Ikogosi warm spring, Yankari Games Reserve, Whispering palms Badagry, Olumo Rock, etc.

Payment Schedule

A deposit of 20% of the total program fee is required with your application. It is non-refundable upon notification of acceptance and is applied to the total program fee. The balance of the program fee is required 30 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation after acceptance and prior to placement confirmation – the deposit is forfeited. Cancellation after confirmation of placement – 50% of the program fee is forfeited. No Show or Early Departure from Program – 100% of program fee is forfeited.

*Note: The published prices remain subject to change in case of major currency fluctuations. Contact your sending office.