The ‘japa’ syndrome: Is Nigeria losing its best brains?,

Across Nigeria today, one word has become increasingly common among young people: “japa.” What was once a slang term for leaving the country has evolved into a national trend, with thousands of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad. Doctors, nurses, lecturers, engineers, information technology professionals, and other skilled workers are relocating in large numbers.

While many celebrate the opportunities that come with migration, the question remains: Is Nigeria losing some of its best brains? In my opinion, the answer is yes.

The departure of skilled professionals weakens critical sectors of the economy.

Hospitals struggle with shortages of experienced medical personnel, educational institutions lose qualified lecturers and researchers, and businesses are deprived of talented workers who could contribute to innovation and growth. Ultimately, ordinary Nigerians bear the consequences through reduced access to quality healthcare, education, and other essential services.

The concern is not merely theoretical. Recent reports indicate that 4,193 doctors and dentists left Nigeria in 2024 alone, while more than 43,000 healthcare professionals migrated abroad between 2023 and 2024. These figures highlight the scale of the brain drain facing the country and the pressure it places on already strained public services. The growing wave of migration did not happen without reason.

Many Nigerians are leaving because they believe the country no longer rewards hard work and education adequately. Students spend years studying and pay substantial amounts in school fees, only to graduate into an economy where jobs are scarce and salaries are often insufficient to meet basic living expenses. It is difficult to expect young professionals to remain in a system where their qualifications do not guarantee economic stability. As a student, I find it troubling that many people invest heavily in their education only to face employment opportunities that offer wages barely enough to survive.

When graduates spend hundreds of thousands of naira on tuition and other academic expenses, only to earn salaries that do not reflect their qualifications, it is understandable why many begin to look beyond Nigeria’s borders for better opportunities.

For many graduates, migration is not simply a desire for luxury or adventure; it is a search for dignity, security, and a better future. When skilled workers can earn significantly better wages abroad and enjoy more stable working conditions, the decision to leave becomes understandable.

However, it would be unfair to portray the japa phenomenon as entirely negative. Nigerians in the diaspora make important contributions to the country. They support relatives through remittances, invest in businesses, and contribute foreign exchange to the economy. Many families depend on financial support from relatives abroad for education, healthcare, and daily living expenses. This contribution is substantial.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that diaspora remittances reached $4.22 billion between January and October 2024 through official channels. This demonstrates that while migration may reduce the number of skilled workers at home, it also provides economic support to countless families and communities across the country. Yet the benefits of remittances should not distract from the larger problem.

A nation cannot rely indefinitely on money sent home while continuously losing highly skilled professionals. Economic development requires a strong workforce, and no country can maximize its potential if a significant number of its most talented citizens see emigration as their best option. Reports have also shown that only about 6,000 medical consultants remain in Nigeria, further emphasizing the impact of brain drain on the healthcare sector.

The responsibility for addressing this challenge lies primarily with the government. Policies that improve wages, create employment opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance working conditions would encourage more Nigerians to build their futures at home. Education should also be made more affordable, as many graduates struggle to justify the high cost of obtaining qualifications that do not lead to rewarding careers. The real issue is not that Nigerians are leaving.

The real issue is why they feel compelled to leave. Until the factors driving migration are addressed, the japa syndrome will continue to grow. Nigeria must create an environment where its brightest minds are not merely trained but also retained. Otherwise, the country risks watching its future board the next flight out.

Faith Ogbotor is a student journalist and a 200-level Journalism and Media Studies undergraduate at Delta State University, Abraka. Her interests include youth development, education, public policy, and the role of the media in promoting social change. She is passionate about using journalism to highlight issues affecting young Nigerians.

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