- The ‘Japa’ trend has seen Nigeria lose a lot of skilled workers to the labour markets of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands and Australia
- The emigration of qualified professionals has a far more damaging impact on Nigeria and sectors of the economy on a large scale
- Many who are today caught up in the ‘Japa’ syndrome say they have lost hope in Nigeria and believe the country practically has no promises for them
Recently, a video emerged on Nigeria’s social media showing a large number of people at the airport with their bags and luggage trying to board several flights departing the country. At first look, the trending clip seemed like something to have a good laugh about, but on a second or third look, it suddenly dawns on one that we indeed have a crisis on our hands.
In the last one year, or thereabout, the Yoruba word ‘Japa’ has become a popular trending adjective on Nigeria’s social media. Now widely adopted when referring to one migrating from Nigeria to another part of the world, the ‘Japa’ syndrome has seen Nigerians leaving their once beloved country in droves.
