By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS—Migration refers to the mass exodus of Nigerian citizens, particularly youths and professionals, to foreign countries in search of greener pastures.
The term “Japa” is a Yoruba slang meaning “to escape, flee, or run away”.
The “Japa Syndrome” some of the time, refers to the mass exodus of Nigerian health workers, particularly medical doctors and nurses and other health workers, to more developed countries in search of better opportunities. This phenomenon has severe implications on Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and the society at large.
Symptoms
Mass exodus: Large-scale migration of skilled and semi-skilled workers from Nigeria to other countries.
Brain drain: Loss of highly skilled professionals, such as doctors, nurses, engineers, and university lecturers.
Labour shortages: Shortages of qualified workers in key sectors, including healthcare, education, and technology.
Decreased Productivity: Reduced economic output and growth due to the departure of skilled workers.
Loss of tax revenue: Government loses direct tax contributions and potential economic activity generated by skilled professionals.
Negative signal to investors: Exodus of skilled professionals sends a negative signal to investors about the country’s business environment.
Strain on Family Relationships: Distance, cultural adjustments, and diverging life paths can lead to marital breakdown and emotional distress.
Impact on traditional family structures: Increasing number of households headed by single parents or extended family members.
Loss of cultural heritage: Potential erosion of Nigeria’s cultural practices and indigenous knowledge.
Reduced competitiveness: Decreased ability of Nigerian industries to compete internationally due to loss of skilled workers.
Causes
Bad governance: Poor governance, corruption, and lack of accountability.
Unemployment: High unemployment rates and limited job opportunities.
Insecurity: Kidnapping, banditry, and insurgency.
Poor working conditions: Unfavorable working conditions and lack of job satisfaction.
Lack of enabling environment: Poor infrastructure, inadequate power supply, and insecurity.
Neglect of agricultural sector: Underutilization and underdevelopment of the agricultural sector.
Systemic problems in education: Incessant strike actions and poor evaluation systems.
Collapse of manufacturing sector: Closure of industries and factories.
Poverty: Widespread poverty and intense economic hardship.
Restrictive immigration policies: Limited opportunities for legal migration.
Psychological effects
Anxiety and stress: Fear of insecurity and uncertainty about the future.
Frustration and disillusionment: Feeling of hopelessness and despair due to lack of opportunities.
Loss of identity: Cultural adjustment challenges and sense of dislocation.
Emotional distress: Strain on family relationships and marital breakdown.
Motivation and aspiration: Desire to escape perceived limitations and seek better opportunities.
Sense of failure: Feeling of failure or regret for leaving or staying.
Cultural shock: Adapting to new cultural norms and values.
Homesickness: Longing for family, friends, and familiar environment.
Uncertainty: Uncertainty about the future and potential outcomes.
Resilience: Developing coping mechanisms and adapting to new situations.
Social effects: Strain on family relationships: Distance and cultural adjustments can lead to marital breakdown.
Impact on traditional family structures: Increasing number of households headed by single parents.
Loss of cultural heritage: Potential erosion of Nigeria’s cultural practices.
Social Change: Shifts in societal norms and values.
Community impact: Loss of skilled professionals can impact community development.
Social isolation: Feeling disconnected from family and friends.
Cultural exchange: Opportunity for cultural exchange and learning.
Remittances: Financial support to families and communities.
Diaspora communities: Formation of diaspora communities and networks.
Brain gain: Potential for knowledge transfer and investment.
Medical effects of Japa syndrome
Shortage of healthcare Professionals: Loss of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
Reduced healthcare services: Decreased access to quality healthcare.
Increased workload: Remaining healthcare professionals may experience increased workload.
Brain drain in the Medical sector: Loss of skilled medical professionals.
Impact on medical research: Reduced capacity for medical research and innovation.
Patient care: Decreased quality of patient care due to staff shortages.
Mental health: Potential impact on mental health due to stress and anxiety.
Healthcare system: Strain on the healthcare system and potential collapse.
Mortality rates: Potential increase in mortality rates due to reduced healthcare services.
Healthcare policy: Need for policies to address brain drain and retain healthcare professionals.
Economic effects of Japa syndrome
To be continued…..
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is CEO and Director of clinical psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult,Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos.
+234 803 402 4457
