The emigration trend known as “Japa” has gained significant traction in Nigeria, as more citizens seek better opportunities abroad.
According to a 2022 survey, 70% of Nigerians aged 15 to 35 expressed a willingness to leave the country if given the chance. This wave of migration has been further fueled by socio-economic challenges and events like the #EndSARS protests, leading some lawmakers to declare it a national emergency.
Adedamola Adedeji, a Nigerian dentist, is among the many young professionals who have chosen to leave the country. Known as Damola, she moved to Canada in search of a better life after experiencing the harsh realities of the Nigerian healthcare system. In September 2023, her diabetic father required emergency medical attention and was asked to pay 1.6 million naira ($960) upfront before he could be admitted. Reflecting on the experience, Damola said, “I realized that in Nigeria, if you don’t have money, you will die.”
The economic challenges in Nigeria, exacerbated by rising living costs under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, have made life increasingly difficult for many citizens. In 2022, over 22,000 Nigerians relocated to Canada through its permanent resident program, a significant increase from previous years.
Damola’s decision to emigrate was also influenced by her siblings, who moved abroad earlier in 2023. “I knew I wanted to leave when I saw they could leave as well. If there’s a way to leave, why not?” she said.
The exodus of medical professionals from Nigeria is particularly alarming. According to the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors, 2,800 resident doctors left the country within two years, and 85% of those remaining expressed intentions to emigrate.
Dr. Aisha Tayo Adewale, Damola’s head dentist, expressed her frustration with the situation but acknowledged the tough circumstances driving the migration. “I can’t be selfish and say, ‘oh, they shouldn’t Japa,’” she said.
On September 29, Damola boarded a one-way flight to Toronto—her first time on an airplane. The date marked a bittersweet milestone, as it coincided with nine months since her father’s passing. While Damola’s mother supported her decision, she lamented the emotional toll of the migration wave, saying, “It’s robbing us, the parents, of having a close physical relationship with our children.”
