Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to place love for their country above the desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities. His comments came during a plenary session on Tuesday, where he addressed the growing trend of the ‘japa’ syndrome—referring to the exodus of citizens seeking greener pastures overseas.
Akpabio emphasized that members of the National Assembly have chosen to remain in Nigeria out of a deep-seated commitment to the nation. “Currently, we are witnessing a significant loss of expertise. If those individuals could return with the skills they have acquired abroad, it would greatly benefit our country. However, the conditions of service here are also a contributing factor,” he noted.
He highlighted the adverse effects of this migration trend on Nigeria’s health and education sectors. “The ongoing brain drain is a pressing issue, particularly impacting our educational and healthcare systems. Reports indicate that around 22,000 Nigerian health workers are currently excelling in the United States, showcasing the talent we are losing,” he said.
In terms of education, Akpabio pointed out that many higher institutions are struggling with inadequate staff, with some departments operating with less than 50 percent of their required personnel. “This situation poses serious challenges for student learning. It’s akin to a computer processing faulty input—resulting in poor outcomes,” he added.
He assured that the National Assembly is committed to enacting legislation aimed at improving the welfare of teachers, lecturers, and students, encouraging a more conducive environment for education in Nigeria. “We will strive to enhance the lives of educators and university administrators to foster knowledge transfer to future generations,” Akpabio concluded.
