Education Minister Professor Tahir Mamman has identified a significant staffing shortfall in Nigerian universities, attributing it to the pervasive ‘Japa syndrome.’ This phenomenon, characterized by the mass exodus of academics seeking better opportunities abroad, has created a concerning void in the nation’s educational institutions. In a meeting with Directors of the Federal Ministry of Education and Heads of Agencies, Professor Mamman expressed his lamentation over the underreporting of this issue in the media.
The term ‘Japa’ originates from the Yoruba language, meaning “to run, flee, or escape.” It encapsulates the aspirations of many Nigerians who, disillusioned with local prospects, embark on a quest for greener pastures elsewhere. This trend is not confined to the academic realm; professionals from diverse sectors, including medical personnel, legal practitioners, bankers, computer geeks, engineers, and both skilled and unskilled workers, contribute to the growing exodus.
Within the tertiary education sub-sector, the challenge is exacerbated by a considerable number of retirements, further complicating the staffing crisis. Professor Mamman, a former Vice Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, emphasized the negative impact of this brain drain phenomenon on Nigerian universities. He noted that the departure of talented academics results in a significant vacuum in knowledge and expertise, adversely affecting the overall quality of education, research, and innovation.
The Minister, while acknowledging the gravity of the situation, reassured stakeholders that the present administration would not adopt a reactionary approach. Instead, he pledged to address the root causes of the issue proactively to prevent further escalation. He highlighted the detrimental effects of the brain drain, citing the disruption of institutional stability, hindrance to planning, and limitations on international collaboration and student exchange programs.
Contrary to the Minister’s perspective, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) posits a different explanation for the ‘Japa’ phenomenon. CONUA places the blame squarely on factors such as poor remuneration, inconsistent policies, policy somersaults, and a lack of employment opportunities. In an interview with The Guardian, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the National President of CONUA, asserted that the ‘Japa’ syndrome has little or no connection to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) platform.
Dr. Sunmonu argued that the issue extends beyond IPPIS, affecting various aspects of life, including professions not directly linked to the payment platform. While acknowledging the removal of tertiary institutions from IPPIS as positive news, he expressed reservations about the government’s lack of explicit details regarding an alternative payment platform. He called for urgent attention to improve remuneration and create a conducive environment for academics in tertiary institutions.
Conclusion: Japa
The ‘Japa syndrome’ represents a complex challenge affecting multiple sectors in Nigeria, with a profound impact on the nation’s educational landscape. The perspectives of the Education Minister and CONUA underscore the need for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to address the root causes of the brain drain and ensure the sustainability and growth of Nigerian universities.
Source: guardian.ng
