How varsities can stem ‘japa’ syndrome undermining Nigeria’s future – VC

Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, has warned that the mass departure of young Nigerian professionals is emerging as one of the greatest threats to the nation’s long-term development—but says universities can play a major role in reversing the trend.

Speaking at the 10th inaugural lecture delivered by Prof. Nuhu Gado in Karu, Nasarawa State, Ayuba said Nigeria is losing some of its brightest minds at a time when strategic thinking is crucial for national progress.

He said the lecture’s theme, “Strategic Management of Nigeria’s Industrial Sector and Economic Development: From Dumping, Slumping to Japa Syndrome,” captures the country’s current development challenges.

“This theme resonates deeply with our socio-economic realities, where Nigeria faces remarkable challenges yet also unprecedented opportunities,” he said.

Ayuba noted that universities must transform into centres of innovation and critical thinking capable of stabilising the industrial sector and providing young people compelling reasons to build their future in Nigeria.

He warned that the “mass exodus of talented youth in search of greener pastures” is rapidly weakening national capacity, adding that higher institutions can help curb the outflow by producing graduates equipped to drive industrial renewal.

Ayuba commended Prof. Gado’s “evidence-based strategies and governance frameworks” aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s industrial sector.

He also announced that Bingham University will compile its first ten inaugural lectures into a comprehensive volume for postgraduate students and researchers.

In his lecture, Prof. Gado highlighted strategic management—rooted in visioning, goal-setting, formulation, implementation and evaluation—as essential to national direction.

He said chronic power shortages, weak infrastructure, insecurity, global competition and policy inconsistencies continue to push firms such as Dunlop, Michelin, GSK, P&G, Sanofi, Exxon, Shell and TotalEnergies out of Nigeria.

Both scholars agreed that curbing youth migration requires universities to drive innovation, rebuild industrial capacity and restore confidence in Nigeria’s economic future.

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