As 2023 gradually winds down in a few hours from now, ushering in 2024 with its huge promise, there is no sign the japa phenomenon that gained prominence in the outgoing year will abate soon. Instead, many Nigerians will inevitably ‘japa’, that is, seek to travel overseas for various reasons, ranging from education to business, vacation and work to complete relocation. This is not a new phenomenon. However, recent happenings in the country have resulted in a phenomenal upsurge in the japa syndrome, most especially among the youth, with complete relocation as the ultimate goal of many.
Some youths have argued that the quality of education overseas is better than what is obtainable in the country. This may not be far from the truth if how education is funded and how the nation’s tertiary institutions are equipped, as well as the quality and conduct of teachers in our institutions, are put into consideration.
However, the experience in most education destinations abroad is that a student knows when their programme will end from the very beginning. In Nigeria, industrial actions have seen some four-year programmes span for as long as six years or even more. This is one of the reasons for the recent upsurge in the japa syndrome.
