Professor Charles Esimone, former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has called on policymakers, youth, and society at large to adopt a multifaceted approach to find sustainable solutions to the dangers posed by youth unemployment and the widespread desire to migrate, often referred to as the “Japa syndrome.”
Prof. Esimone made this call while delivering the combined 4th and 5th convocation lecture at Anchor University Lagos, which took place in the university auditorium.
He emphasized that the issues of unemployment and migration must be addressed together, advocating for a strategy that integrates education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
He described the challenging situation faced by the country’s growing youth population, which is a population with a constrained job market.
The guest lecturer noted that this pressing challenge has spurred a mass migration of young professionals to more developed countries.
The professor attributed this emigration to various factors, including economic hardships that render aspirations seemingly unattainable, political instability and insecurity that create uncertainty about the future, and a lack of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
While acknowledging that emigration may provide individuals with immediate relief, he expressed profound concerns over the long-term effects on the nation.
“The exodus of the country’s brightest minds leads to a “brain drain,” depriving the economy of critical talent, hindering national development, and robbing future generations of exemplary role models.
“If unemployment is the disease, education is the vaccine. However, like any vaccine, its effectiveness depends on being modernized and adapted to meet the evolving needs of the 21st century,” he stated.
Prof. Esimone advocated for empowerment through education, arguing that it should go beyond the passive transfer of knowledge.
He asserted that education should serve as a transformative force, enabling individuals to think critically, solve complex problems, and drive innovation.
He added, “Unfortunately, much of our current educational framework remains stuck in rote memorization, emphasizing the regurgitation of information rather than the cultivation of meaningful skills. A paradigm shift is urgently needed.”
For this vision to come to fruition, he asserted that the government, private sector, and civil society must collaborate, strengthen governance, address security issues, and create an inspiring environment that encourages young people to stay, contribute, and thrive.
Earlier, Professor Samuel Oye Bandele, Anchor University Lagos Vice-Chancellor highlighted the importance of convocation lectures as a valued tradition and an opportunity for sharing research knowledge, stating that such lectures have the potential to positively change the trajectory of students’ lives.
The convocation event will continue on Friday with the presentation of degrees to deserving graduates of the institution.
