A growing number of young Nigerians are leaving the country in search of better opportunities, a trend that has become known as “japa,” a Yoruba word meaning “to flee.” According to a 2022 survey, 70% of Nigerians aged 15 to 35 would leave the country if they could.
Adedamola Adedeji, a young dentist, is one of many who have decided to leave. Despite having a fulfilling career and a middle-class salary by Nigerian standards, she has chosen to restart her life in Canada. Her decision was motivated by the country’s economic downturn, which has pushed many young people to seek greener pastures abroad.
Nigeria’s economy has been in decline for over a decade, leading to a surge in emigration. In 2022, 22,000 Nigerians moved to Canada through its permanent resident program, an increase of 7,000 from the previous year. The country’s increasing cost of living, particularly since the election of President Bola Tinubu, has made it difficult for many to make ends meet.
Damola’s personal experience has been marked by hardship. Her family’s financial situation deteriorated significantly after her father’s death, and she was forced to confront the harsh reality of Nigeria’s healthcare system. When her diabetic father was rushed to the emergency room, the family was required to make a down payment of 1.6 million naira ($960) for him to receive treatment.
The brain drain in Nigeria’s medical profession is alarming. At the start of 2023, the president of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors reported that 2,800 resident doctors had left the country in two years. A survey of its remaining members revealed that 85% of them had plans to leave.
Damola’s decision to leave has been met with mixed emotions. Her mother, who was present at the airport to bid her farewell, expressed the pain of being separated from her child. “This japa, it’s robbing us, the parents, of having a close relationship physically with our children,” she said.
As Damola settles into her new life in Canada, she represents a generation of young Nigerians who are taking matters into their own hands. Despite the challenges they face, they remain determined to build a better future for themselves and their families. The japa phenomenon is a testament to the resilience and determination of Nigeria’s youth, who refuse to be held back by the country’s economic and social challenges.
Credit DM
