Bola Tinubu, during the second term inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodimma in Owerri, Imo State, reassured Nigerians not to be concerned about the significant departure of skilled workers from the country.
He pledged that the Federal Government, in collaboration with sub-national entities, would undertake extensive training programs to address the apparent professional gap in critical sectors such as health and technology.
Highlighting the commitment to education, Tinubu emphasized that the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) places a priority on the education of children and youths.
“You see the priority in industrialisation. Healthcare will receive more allocation and more attention.
“Don’t worry about what you are hearing about the Japa syndrome, we will train more people and we will supply them self,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the ‘Japa’ phenomenon, colloquially referring to the emigration surge that Nigeria has witnessed, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tinubu assured the public that more individuals would be trained to fill the void.
He conveyed confidence in addressing the challenges associated with the mass relocation of skilled manpower, affirming the government’s commitment to self-sufficiency.
Tinubu also extended assurances to the people of the South-East, promising improved peace and increased efforts to achieve stability in the region.
The ‘Japa’ phenomenon, marked by a substantial outflow of Nigerian youths seeking better education, employment, and security abroad, has led to a shortage of skilled manpower, particularly in sectors like healthcare.
The United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada remain top destinations for those pursuing opportunities beyond the country’s borders. With Nigeria’s unemployment rate reaching a new record high of 33.3 percent, the ‘Japa’ phenomenon is a significant trend.