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Japa: An Escape From Reality Or A Reality in its Entirety ?


By Igwe Grace 

The “Japa syndrome” is one of the most talked-about topics in Nigeria today. It has existed for some time, but recently it has become more rampant.Many people see it as a struggle for greener pastures , a way of escaping poverty and hardship in search of a better life.

There are two sides to this issue. On one hand, many people, especially those who have experienced economic hardship, support the idea of leaving the country. Imagine a graduate who has spent years without a job; when an opportunity to travel comes, it feels like an escape from suffering. Similarly, a family living in abject poverty that wins a visa lottery would immediately jump at the opportunity.

On the other hand, some people are strongly against it. Perhaps the already made ones advise young Nigerians to stay and build their country. They argue that life abroad is not as easy as many believe. Which is  actually true, stories about racism and discrimination are not just rumours; many people who travel abroad actually experience them in different forms, depending on where they go. Some even describe life abroad as a form of “modern slavery.”

Even with that, many argue that it is better to work in a place where effort is rewarded. At least there, people understand what it means to reward hard work, despite the challenges of racism, than to remain in a system where poverty and hardship are widespread and the basic needs of the masses are not met. As some people jokingly say, “at least let my stress be rewarded with salary.”

At the end of the day, a country is only truly worth staying in when it makes life better and more meaningful for its citizens. When that happens, the desire to “Japa” will likely be reduced. Until then, the debate will continue. Some see it as hope for a better future, while others see it as abandoning the country instead of helping to build it. However, the truth remains that people will always move to places where they believe life will be better for themselves, their families, and for their future generations.
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