A former Presidential Spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, has advocated a comprehensive reform of the nation’s higher education system and tackling governance and economic issues in order to address the brain drain challenge in the country.
He made the call while delivering the First Convocation Lecture of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, held at the King Kpadia Memorial Civic Centre. The Lecture topic was ‘The Japa Syndrome and the Future of University Education in Nigeria: Thinking Outside the Box’.
Dr. Reuben Abati, a renowned Journalist and Academic, noted that the japa or brain drain syndrome was as a result of several factors, which include economic instability, insecurity, frustrated ambitions, corruption, lack of opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, poor governance and deteriorating public services, especially in the education and health sectors.
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The former Spokesman for former President Goodluck Jonathan asserted that the Japa syndrome has triggered an exodus of Nigerian youths to foreign lands, robbing Universities and the nation of its best intellectual capital while affecting national development adversely and posing a human resource challenge to the country.
Dr. Abati, however, said the brain drain phenomenon also presents an opportunity through Nigerians in the diaspora to the nation, advocating reforms of the country’s higher education system and stakeholders’ collaboration as a panacea to the Japa challenge.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Mr. Kemela Okara, said there was a need for a paradigm shift in tertiary education that requires adequate funding for institutions in the country.
Meanwhile, the University of Africa, Toru-Orua has graduated 905 graduates across four sets from 2020/2021 through 2023/2024 Academic Sessions .
