THE ROAD TO VICTORIA ISLAND

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE ON CAREERS

GRAB YOURS NOW

THE ROAD TO VICTORIA ISLAND

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO STARTING CAREER IN CORPORATE NIGERIA

A COMPENDIUM OF ESSAYS & CASE STUDIES ON CAREERS IN NIGERIA

By

SURAJ “JARUS” OYEWALE, MBA, FCA, ACTI

First published: June 2014

Revised and updated: May 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

A lot of young Nigerians hold the fatalistic view that you cannot attain success in corporate Nigeria based on merit and hardwork. I look around and see a generation that has resigned to false fate based on misleading generalization that stifles hardwork and other virtues. I find this pervasive pessimistic mindset worrisome. I have been a close watcher of events in corporate Nigeria right from my secondary school days, first through pages of newspapers, and later, post-university, finding myself working in different organizations. I see successful young men that attain lofty positions purely based on hardwork and honesty. I see individuals with rapid rise. I feel obligated to demystify the misleading mindset among young Nigerians. This book is an effort at achieving this goal.

THE ROAD TO VICTORIA ISLAND takes you through the journey from school to the workplace, and climbing career ladder in corporate Nigeria within. It is a collection of tips that aid successful academic endeavor, seamless transition to the labour market and a rewarding career. One unique thing about this book is that it is based on real life experiences on what happens in Nigeria here, not some theories that are hardly applicable in our society. It covers the entire career chain – from preparation to retirement. To put faces to the guide, some high-flying Nigerian executives were selected as case studies. Although the ideas shared are localized to the Nigerian system, they are no doubt applicable anywhere in the world.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN FROM THE BOOK

Tips for preparing for post-school life

Right mix of professional qualifications

Rudiments of the workplace

Careers in Oil & Gas 

Careers in Finance

Careers in Consulting

Entrepreneurial lessons from accomplished Nigerians

Networking, relationship building and personal branding

General guide to career rise in Nigeria & beyond

..and many more

WHO NEED THE BOOK

STUDENTS – who want to be academic high-flyers and prepare ahead for post-school life

CORPS MEMBERS – who are awaiting induction into Nigeria’s labour market and the workplace

CORPORATE  WORKERS – who want to master the game of the office place or move from one job to another

PROFESSIONALS – who want to be up to date in corporate trends

BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS – who want to learn from the masters

Any other person interested in understanding the dynamics of careers in Corporate Nigeria. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suraj Oyewale, popularly known as Jarus in Nigeria’s social media space, is a first class graduate of economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, an award-winning chartered accountant and chartered tax practitioner with more than 15 years experience in Nigeria’s investment banking and oil and gas industries, public analyst with over 100 articles published in Nigerian national dailies (Guardian, Punch, BusinessDay, THISDAY, etc), and one of the most influential young Nigerians on the internet. He is the founder of JarusHub.com, which was listed as one of the Top 5 career portals in Nigeria in 2013. He was in November 2013 featured on the popular ChannelsTV economic and public policy show, THE POLICY COUNCIL with Opeyemi Agbaje, as one of emerging young Nigerian analysts. He got his MBA at the Edinburgh Business School of the Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, Suraj is modestly traveled and has been to more than a dozen countries across Africa, Asia and Europe.

ENDORSEMENTS

“This book is a great effort by Suraj. I am very impressed that someone took out his time to document a lot of ideas most of us hold in our heads (and share randomly) for future generations. A fabulous compendium like this is a must-have and must-read for all undergraduates with focus, as well as professionals. Write-ups on issues like email communication in the workplace will go a long way in helping young professionals.

In short, Suraj has made a whole lot of experience available for young discerning minds. Reading and abiding by the principles dished out here will literally make a green horn “ride on the shoulders of elders”. Reading this book is an instantaneous way for young ones to gain years of experience from several good people at a go.”

Obafemi Bamidele, CFA

Analyst with a multinational oil company in Lagos

“I just bought the book “The Road to Victoria Island” from Suraj Oyewale. It’s a 213 paged compendium of principles and inspirational messages on how young folks can navigate their way from where they are to where they want to be. It addresses issues relating to how you can build a great and rewarding career, as well as how one can be a successful entrepreneur. The price is incredibly cheap. Considering the issues dealt with in the book and the lessons I picked up, scanning through it, I recommend it very highly.

My initial scan through the book shows that you know what you’re talking about. I can relate with the positions expressed. I have already recommended the book to a
few people here and will still recommend it to many others. Our young folks, who mostly appear misguided, short-sighted and directionless, will find the book quite
useful. At that price, it is nothing but a gift.

Well done for taking out time to write the book and pour your heart into it. It is a compass which the younger generational can use to navigate their way through the
competitive corporate world.

Great job.

PS: I am also a graduate of OAU (1997). I graduated as the overall best student in the Faculty of Law, with 9 prizes during convocation. I later won the British Chevening scholarship through which I did my Masters in Law in 2004 at the University College London (UCL). So, I can relate with the issues you addressed in the book. There are
principles relating to excellence and values that make so much difference in how far one goes in life. “

Idowu Paul, LLM (London)

Legal Department, Chevron Nigeria

The Author presents copies of the book (first edition) to the former Governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank and 14th Emir of Kano

TESTIMONIAL

Good morning Sir,

I was inspired by your ROAD TO VI book. I finally made it to Victoria Island and it’s been exciting already. It would be an honour if you could take me under your wing.

A. Muhammed

Who recently secured job with an Insurance company in Lagos

Hello,

 

 

“(I bought the book today and) It’s almost midnight and I couldn’t drop the book until I got to page 213 (last page), it’s the finesse and interactive manner that got me glued. Not to mention the practicality of the advices as well as models given in the book are bound to make one have a reality check.

 

I must say I find your book very inspiring and realistic. Your last sentence is one I will never forget “follow your passion, in it lies your success, most times”.  It gave me a click in my heart what i aspire for in my career and life generally.

 

Job well done!”

*****

“Sir , I wish I had & read this your book immediately I finished secondary school….This book is supposed to be made compulsory for every senior secondary students…. “

John Orji

***

 I wish to appreciate you for your book, Road to Victoria Island. It has been my companion in recent times. Following the guidelines in the book I was surprised to be invited for 4 different interviews in a week , one of of which I was scheduled to meet the Group MD of the company after a successful test and interview earlier for a chat. It was a wonderful experience
Akeem A.

“Mr. Jarus,

I have been looking for an opportunity to say this.

Your interview questions and answers article was instrumental to my impressing two CEOs and getting employment offers from both.

Thanks. I really appreciate. May you achieve and surpass your goals in life.”

Melo James, Nairaland

NB: That article is just one of the many articles and case studies in the book

PRICE

N4,000

TO PURCHASE

Lagos (Island): 09044681080, 07046788214

Lagos (Mainland): 08060482880, 08085404500, 08099527777

Kwara State: 08109673389, 09157827316, 09157827316

Abuja: 08185342321

Rest of Nigeria: 09044681080

GRAB YOUR COPY NOW