Balancing Tradition and Modernity: The Struggles of a Nigerian Gen Z.

Available 22nd February,2025.

Hey everyone,

Being a Gen Z Nigerian isn’t for the faint of heart. Trust me. On one hand, you’re juggling the weight of centuries-old traditions and cultural values, and on the other, you’re swimming in a sea of modernity that’s constantly evolving. Every day feels like a tightrope walk between the expectations of your ancestors and the fast-paced, digital world that’s sweeping you off your feet.

As a 19-year-old Nigerian law student, I’m often torn between these two worlds—and the struggle is real. You see, we’re the generation caught in the middle. We’re expected to uphold the values of our culture, to respect our elders, to follow traditions, and yet, we also have to thrive in a globalized, tech-driven society that doesn’t always understand or appreciate where we come from. So, let me take you through some of the internal battles I face in this balancing act, and maybe you’ll find that it’s not just my struggle—but one shared by many of us.

The Expectations of Family and Culture.

Let’s start with family. Every Nigerian knows that the first question you get after graduation or a major milestone isn’t “How are you?” or “What are your plans?” It’s “When are you getting married?” or “Do you have a job lined up for when you finish school?” The expectations are high, and they come from all corners: your parents, your extended family, your community.

I was raised with the knowledge that education, family, and respect for tradition are everything. There’s an almost sacred reverence for elders, a deep respect for the norms and values that have been passed down through generations. These teachings have shaped me into the person I am today, but sometimes, it feels like those same values are at odds with the fast-paced changes I’m navigating in my day-to-day life.

Take my career aspirations, for example. My parents want me to succeed in law, and I’m all for it—but they’re more concerned about the stability it offers. They don’t quite understand my side hustle as a writer, digital marketer or how my budding graphic design skills could one day fund my dreams of building a business. When I try to explain to them how technology is changing the game, the responses I get are mixed, to say the least. It’s hard for them to grasp that the world I’m stepping into is far different from theirs, and the traditional career paths they hold so dear aren’t the only ways to find success.

It’s not that I don’t respect my culture—I do. But it feels like every step I take towards modernity is a step away from the traditions they hold close to their hearts. And that’s something I’m still figuring out.

Modernity: The Digital Revolution.

Then, there’s the digital age. Everything is online, everything is instant, and everything is global. I can connect with someone halfway across the world in seconds, learn a new skill with just a few clicks, and have my voice heard on platforms like Twitter or TikTok. This is the world I’ve grown up in, and I can’t help but thrive in it.

The rise of influencers, content creators, and entrepreneurs has made it clear that success doesn’t have to come from a corporate desk job or a traditional role. I’m constantly inspired by young Nigerians who are making waves online, launching businesses, and building followings from their smartphones. There’s this sense of endless possibility when you’re immersed in the digital world. You can carve out your own niche, find your tribe, and chase your dreams on your own terms.

But there’s always that question lurking in the back of my mind: Am I abandoning tradition in pursuit of something fleeting? Sometimes I wonder if my love for the digital world, the freedom it offers, and the possibilities it brings might be seen as me disrespecting my roots. I mean, isn’t the internet full of distractions? Aren’t we losing a sense of community, of being present with each other?

This digital wave has brought some friction with older generations, who often view the internet as a double-edged sword. While it offers opportunities, it also opens the door to what they see as distractions and disruptions. How do you explain the importance of a Twitter thread about politics to someone who values face-to-face discussions? Or the significance of a YouTube channel to someone who grew up with a more traditional career path?

The Middle Ground.

I’ll be honest—it’s exhausting. The constant pull between tradition and modernity can leave you feeling like you’re stuck between two worlds that rarely understand each other. But I’ve come to realize something important: There is no “either/or” here. It’s “both/and.”

In many ways, being a Nigerian Gen Z has taught me the power of balance. Yes, I value the rich history and culture that have shaped me—family, respect, and a deep sense of duty to my community. But I also recognize that the world is changing, and I have to evolve with it. I can’t afford to close myself off from the future because of my attachment to the past.

At the same time, I’m not willing to throw away everything that’s important to me just to fit in with the digital age. There’s strength in tradition, in knowing where you came from, and in holding onto the values that make us who we are. For me, finding that middle ground means integrating both worlds. I’m learning to bring the best of both into my life—honoring my culture while adapting to the opportunities of the modern world.

Final Thoughts: The Struggle and the Strength.

At the end of the day, the struggle of balancing tradition and modernity isn’t something unique to me—it’s something that many of us in this generation are facing. Whether it’s about career choices, lifestyle, or relationships, we’re all trying to figure out how to honor the past while embracing the future.

Being a Nigerian Gen Z means carrying the weight of history while moving forward with the hopes and dreams of tomorrow. It’s not easy, but it’s also what makes our generation so powerful. We’re not bound by the limitations of the past, nor are we naive enough to forget the wisdom it offers. We are forging new paths, blending the old with the new, and finding ways to thrive in a world that’s constantly changing.

As I continue my journey through this complex world, I can only hope that we all find our balance—between honoring where we came from and embracing where we’re going.

So, to all my fellow Gen Z Nigerians (and anyone else navigating this same struggle), how are you balancing tradition and modernity in your own life? Let’s talk about it—I’m always open to hearing your thoughts!

Until next time,

Azeemah.💜