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Some distinguished guests and clergy join to cut the 2023 ACOF cake with His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, the Archbishop of Lagos Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, and the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin at the recent ACOF Foundation lecture in Lagos.
To halt the trend that has turned Nigeria to a training ground for human resources for richer nations, the Federal Government has been tasked to develop policies that will address the Japa syndrome, while mitigating the challenges associated with it.
Prof. Chris Ogbechie, who gave the advice at the 16th Anthony Cardinal Okogie Foundation Lecture, in Lagos, said thousands of Nigerians are migrating yearly with their families, for educational and employment opportunities.
In his paper titled: The Japa phenomenon: Implications for national development and the Christian faith,’ Ogbechie, who is the Dean, Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos, citing available data from the British government, said Nigerians given sponsored study or student visas rose from 6,798 in 2019 to 59, 053 in 2022, about 768.7 per cent.
The university teacher said aside from the fact that youths do not have any voice in governance, unemployment; insecurity, cost of living and poverty are on the rise.
According to him, Nigeria appears to be retrogressing in all key governance indicators, such as rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, voice and accountability, He said the rich nations have an aging population, leading to a global war for talents from developing economies like Nigeria.
The Professor of Strategic Management blamed the brain drain syndrome on the Japaphenomenon. He added that it is no longer news that corporate organisations and businesses are struggling to hold on to young talents who are emigrating in droves in search of greener pastures.
Citing the mass exodus of doctors and nurses to North America, Europe and the Middle East, Ogbechie said according to the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), six out of 10 doctors plan on leaving for greener pastures.
“The policy should also encourage them to return home and help with our development,” he said. Speaking at the event, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, thanked God for the life of Emeritus Archbishop Anthony Cardinal Okogie said the Japa syndrome raises questions about the nation’s ability to harness its human capital and provide opportunities for its citizens.
The cleric said it is a call to action for policymakers, community leaders and civil society, to address the root causes of the migration trend, and create an environment where Nigerians can thrive at home.
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