Japa, a cause of significant brain drain lingers on in Nigeria. However, a moment of truth prevailed on Thursday 29th October, 2025, as the Olikoye Ransome-Kuti (ORK) Memorial Lecture, held at the Clinical Skills Centre, OAUTHC. On this quadrennial event organized by IFEMED Journal Club, the OAU medical community came around with open minds to experience greatness.

Ardently, the keynote speaker, Prof. K.T. Ijadunola dwelled on the need for ‘’Reversing the Exodus: Retaining and Empowering Nigeria’s Healthcare Workforce’’. With emphasis on the ‘Japa’ syndrome and the concomitant brain drain, the situation of the country was brought to limelight.

Interestingly, it is pertinent to hear from the view of attendees the effect of this brain drain, as well as their personal take on Japa.

Here are some of the questions and their responses;

On Japa:

The keynote speaker implied that merit based promotion systems and remuneration were important in rejuvenating the declining health sector. Do you think this is feasible, or you’re an advocate of “make I just comot first”?

Are there solutions to the current brain drain in the country, or do you think everyone should just leave?

What do you think the government can put in place to tackle the prevalent brain drain? Would these measures be sustainable or has corruption really eaten so deep?

Response;

”I don’t blame those who have left, nor do I pity those who have decided to stay” – Toluwase

1. It’s possible, but definitely not easy. It requires a mind-set shift from government, institutions and individuals. It isn’t just about increasing pay, but about restoring fairness and dignity to work. When promotion is tied to competence rather than connections, people become motivated to stay and contribute.

2. Absolutely, there are solutions – they’re just not easy ones. The exodus is an offshoot of deeper issues: poor governance, insecurity, and lack of opportunity. But as the keynote speaker highlighted, it’s also about hope – people flee when they no longer believe the system will protect or reward them. I don’t blame those who have left, nor do I pity those who have decided to stay.

3. The government needs to look beyond short-term incentives and invest in better healthcare facilities, predictable welfare systems, strong institutions that reward merit, and real consequence management for corruption. Transparency, digital accountability, and a functioning justice system can slowly turn things around.

”Whatever they seek outside the country, provide it for them in the country.” – Ezekiel

1. Truly, I think it’s feasible. Merit based promotion systems ensure that health care providers are competent.

2. Solutions exist to the brain drain and I think the logic is simple but a long shot. Whatever they seek outside the country, provide it for them in the country.

3. All strategies can be narrowed down to one -proper funding. Sadly, corruption has eaten too deep for this to happen anytime soon.

On Japa;

What’s your point of view on the current “JAPA syndrome” in the country? Is it good or bad, both in the individual and nationwide perspective?

During the lecture, there was award presentation to essay winners. Can writing essays be a way of voicing out your solutions to the brain drain scenario, or do you think the government will still do nothing regardless?

Subsequently, in the coming years, do you see yourself leaving this country or are you ready to serve your fatherland?

Response;

”However, for the nation, it makes situation worse” – Ebunski

1. Arguably, there is this pressure on the medical graduate to Japa. Coupled with professors moving to other climes, and the state of the hospital environment, there is this distaste in the Nigerian health sector. Thus, Japa is a way to become highly skilled in ones specialty as an individual. However, for the nation, it makes situation worse.

2. My belief is that the only way meaningful change can happen is if an extra step is made in ensuring these solutions are adopted by policy makers.

3. To become skilled in my discipline, I would need to gain exposure. So yes, but I could consider serving my country later on.

” Ultimately, I think the government should do more to retain its doctors by addressing their concerns and providing better working conditions” – Hon. Fresh

1. Absolutely, I understand that the government’s inaction has forced many doctors to seek better opportunities abroad, and it’s unfair to expect them to stay in Nigeria despite being underpaid and overworked. Ultimately, I think the government should do more to retain its doctors by addressing their concerns and providing better working conditions. Until then, it’s difficult to categorically label JAPA syndrome as good or bad – it’s a complex issue with both individual and national implications.

2.  Organizing an essay competition is a great way to encourage young people to voice their thoughts and solutions on the brain drain scenario. However, I’m skeptical about the government’s response to these solutions. Numerous proposals and suggestions in the past that have been ignored, so I’m not optimistic that they’ll act on new ones.

3. Really, I’m uncertain about my future, but based on my current aspirations, I don’t see myself staying in Nigeria long-term. As a dentistry student, I’m eager to explore opportunities abroad, gain more exposure, and enhance my skills.

On Japa;

The lecture addressed the lack of sufficient doctors, and days after, the Association of Resident doctors embarked on a nationwide strike. Is this necessary, and does it buttress the need for you to Japa?

A solution to the current brain drain is that professionals in diaspora can contribute to the local healthcare system in Nigeria. Does this stimulate your interest in ‘Japa’, or do you see it as a harbinger of the brain drain?

Despite the massive brain drain, people are still finding it financially strenuous to leave. Would Japa be a lot worse if the economic status of the country was better, or would professionals see a reason to stay if the conditions were favourable?

Response;

” Yes if the economic status of the country was better, …more doctors would see a reason to stay back and continue serving the country” – Bruno

1. Affirmatively, it is necessary because it shows that the government doesn’t appreciate the hard work of these healthcare professionals. And of course, it buttresses the need for me to continue my training elsewhere.

2. Yes and no. Any individual’s decision to contribute to the local healthcare system in Nigeria depends on his or her views, value system, beliefs and experiences. Therefore, while it is a good initiative, not every healthcare professional in diaspora may make it a priority.

3. Well, if the economic status of the country was better, and there are adequate facilities to train new doctors and provide standard health care to the citizens, then I believe more doctors would see a reason to stay back and continue serving the country.

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Amidst these varying opinions, what surely stands out is the need for a better health care system in Nigeria. This entails adequate government fundings, appropriate policy implementation, and pragmatic steps in ensuring a conducive working environment.

Until then, let’s see how the prevalent brain drain and Japa syndrome persists.

Hopefully, I guess you had a good read. You can leave your own thoughts of Japa in the comments section.

Be sure to check out other Vox Pop articles on the blog. Stay tuned, until next time, gentle reader!

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