By
Rev’d S.Ogoh Enyi,Ph.D
enyistevens@gmail.com , +23480-3440-4498
Veteran missionary and lecturer at Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary Ogbomosho Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This paper discusses the phenomenon of “Japa” syndrome, a term describing the migration of Nigerian youths seeking improved living conditions abroad. Drawing from the biblical narrative of Elimelech and his family in the Book of Ruth, the paper explores the implications and challenges of migration, emphasizing the societal, economic, and personal impacts. The narrative offers essential lessons on the consequences of leaving one’s homeland and the potential for redemption and restoration within the nation. The study underscores the importance of faith, loyalty, commitment, and hard work in navigating adversities and advocates for trust in the capacity of Nigeria to address its challenges. By using thematic, historical and grammatical approaches, the paper did panoramic discussion of key concepts and nuances found in the entire Book of Ruth.
The paper discovered that those who leave the country “Japa” for greener pastures end up passing through great difficulty and life-threatening situations, thereby causing more harm than their original situation here in the country. Similarly, the paper found out that Elimelech in disregard for divine instruction left Israel to Moab and suffered death, leaving his family in agony. Also, many who “Japa” return with nothing, or even go into extinction completely. Lastly, the paper found out that waiting patiently in God’s given inheritance, pays more than impatient migration into the unknown.
The paper encourages Nigerian youths to actively contribute to their nation’s growth and transformation. Secondly, it recommends that, Nigerian Youth should trust God as the strive to tap the endowed natural resources for growth and development. Thirdly, the recommends proactive setting up of rules that discourage unnecessary migration. Finally, the work wants the government to create Jobs so that many would be employed, thereby curbing the Japa Pandemic.
Word count:285;
Keywords.
Japa syndrome,Elimelech,Migration,youth
Introduction
In 2000, Nigerian singer Chinagorom Onuoha expressed political outcry and heartfelt messages through a song. The lyrics, which included phrases like “Food e no dey, Brother eh water no dey, and our country no good o,” aimed to address issues such as lack of resources, corruption, and poverty. The song aimed to raise awareness about Nigerians’ challenges, particularly the youth and those who cannot secure suitable jobs. Today, in Nigeria, especially in times of governance, Edward K. Alabi states that “our approach to governance is marked by nepotism, complacency, and political corruption. It includes judicial rascality, structural marginalization, and sycophancy in power. It also involves electoral fraud, money politics, and defying the rule of law.”[1] Nigeria faces increasing challenges in life, with youths frustrated, especially with the 2023 presidential election outcome, and skilled individuals struggling to secure suitable jobs. With this in play, Nigerian youths see no future in their lives since democracy has become the government of some people, by some people and for some people.
The phenomenon of “Japa” syndrome, characterized by Nigerian youths leaving their homeland to pursue better opportunities abroad, has become a significant concern. This trend is fueled by various factors, as mentioned above, such as economic hardships, insecurity, unemployment, and a political system often seen as imbalanced. Drawing from the migration of Elimelech and his family, as narrated in the Book of Ruth, this work explores the consequences of migration and its implications for the “Japa” ideology. By examining the experiences of Elimelech’s family and the subsequent redemption and restoration in Ruth’s story, valued lessons can be derived to address the challenges associated with the “Japa” syndrome and advocate for faith in rebuilding a better Nigeria.
Definition of terms
Lesson: something from which helpful knowledge or principles can be learned; an experience that acts as a warning or an example from which you should learn.[2] In this context, it serves as a warning to Nigerians who leave their homeland to seek a better life in other countries, possibly because of economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and a political imbalanced system.
Japa Syndrome
Japa Syndrome, derived from the Nigerian Yoruba word “japa” which means to escape or flee,[3] describes the inclination of individuals to leave their home country, Nigeria, often in search of better living conditions, improved economic prospects, enhanced educational opportunities, or increased safety and security in foreign countries.[4] The phenomenon has sparked discussions on brain drain[5], economic impact, and the aspirations of Nigerians seeking a better quality of life outside the country (greener pasture[6]).
The Concept of “Japa” Syndrome
“Japa” is a Nigerian slang used to describe leaving one’s home country, often to go and reside in a foreign country, particularly for economic or social reasons. It’s often used to refer to young Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad, such as in Europe, North America, or other parts of the world. According to Samuel Kehinde Okunade and Oladotun E. Awosusi, the recent trend of Nigerian youths outmigrating to Europe and other parts of the world has led to adopting of the term “Japa” to describe this phenomenon. They state that Japa is a Yoruba word meaning to flee, and it explains not only the exodus of Nigerians through its international air borders but also the age-long practice of irregular migration. They reiterate that in 2018, Nigerians applied for visas to Schengen countries, including Germany, Hungary, Finland, Italy, and Spain, which saw an increase in applications.
The UK government granted 486,869 study visas to Nigeria in June 2022, a 71% increase from 2019. They conclude that the factors responsible for Japa are internal and external, such as the recent EndSars national youth protests and the Toll Gate Massacre influence this trend. Scholars have identified factors such as high poverty, poor economic conditions, unemployment, the quest for a greener pasture, the desire to acquire international academic qualifications, insecurity, and fear of persecution.[7]
In her view, Racheal Inegbedion added that socio-economic, political, and migrant networks influence Japa. She says socioeconomic factors include low salaries for many Nigerian youths, high unemployment rates, and the unfavourable exchange rate between the Nigerian Naira and foreign currencies. That migration is also seen as a way to help and support family members, with 11,000 international students from Nigeria emigrating to the United States. Political factors include poor governance and corruption, which have led to over 10,000 academic losses between 1986 and 1990. The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has been implicated in widespread human rights violations, mainly targeting Nigerian youth. These factors contribute to the mass migration of Nigerian youth to other countries, highlighting the need for improved governance and protection of the country’s youth.[8]
Migration at any level is not without challenges. Individuals who engage in “japa” face challenges and experiences as they adapt to new environments, cultures, and societies. These challenges include immigration hurdles, cultural differences, discrimination, loneliness, and struggle to find stable employment or housing, as we can see later in the passage under consideration.
[1] Edward K. Alabi, “Ethno-Religious Politics and the Nigerian State: Implications for National Development,” (A Paper Presented at the National Day Service of The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, On September 28), (2023): 3.
[2] Collins English Dictionary. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/lesson (accessed 16, 2023).
[3] Samuel Kehinde Okunade and Oladotun E. Awosusi, “The Japa syndrome and the migration of Nigerians to the United Kingdom: an empirical analysis,” Comparative Migration Studies, (2023): 2.
[4] Waheed Ogunjobi, Nigerians and the Japa syndrome: Slave trade or self-trade? BusinessDay, (2022).
[5] Brain Drain refers to the emigration of highly skilled and educated individuals from one country to another, often to seek better opportunities or living conditions. It is characterized by a loss of intellectual and human capital for the home country.
[6] The term “greener pastures” symbolizes the promise of better opportunities, a higher standard of living, improved socio-economic conditions, and a more conducive environment for personal and professional growth that individuals seek abroad.
[7] Samuel Kehinde Okunade and Oladotun E. Awosusi, “The Japa syndrome and the migration of Nigerians to the United Kingdom: an empirical analysis,” Okunade and Awosusi Comparative Migration Studies, (2023): 17-19.
[8] Racheal Inegbedion, “Migration and Youth in Nigeria” Unesco Chair on International Migration, (2022): 3-4.