President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, offered reassurance to Nigerians amidst the growing concern over the mass exodus of skilled workers from the country. Speaking in Owerri, the Imo State capital, during the second term inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, President Tinubu assured citizens that the Federal Government, in collaboration with sub-national entities, will embark on training initiatives to address the professional gaps evident in critical sectors such as health and technology.
Emphasizing the priority given to education by the administration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), President Tinubu highlighted the commitment to industrialization and announced increased attention and allocation to the healthcare sector.
In response to the colloquially termed ‘Japa syndrome,’ which denotes the mass emigration phenomenon that has affected Nigeria, President Tinubu urged citizens not to worry about the trend. He assured that measures would be taken to train more individuals to fill the professional void and contribute to the country’s development.
Addressing the people of the South-East, the President conveyed optimism about enhancing the peace in the region, pledging increased efforts toward achieving a better and more secure environment.
The ‘Japa’ phenomenon, driven in part by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a significant shortage of skilled manpower in various sectors. The United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada have become primary destinations for Nigerian youths seeking better opportunities in education, employment, and security. With Nigeria’s unemployment rate reaching a new high at 33.3 percent, President Tinubu’s commitment to training and addressing the ‘Japa’ syndrome reflects a proactive approach to counteracting the challenges associated with the mass exodus of skilled workers.
