Headline

Nigerians In UK, US, Canada Share ‘Japa’ Experiences

Published

3 years ago

December 29, 2022

Almost every Nigerian knows one or two people who have left the country in the last five years in search of greener pastures in a new wave of emigration known as ‘japa’.

What does ‘japa’ actually mean? Japa is a Yoruba word which means ‘to run away’ or ‘to leave somewhere or something immediately.’

The japa syndrome among the Nigerian populace especially the youths, represents the mass exodus of Nigerians abroad. The trend has evolved over time to represent a way of escape for Nigerians to secure a better life for themselves and their families.

The skilled workers most involved in the mass emigration are doctors/nurses, tech workers and most recently teachers. Many Nigerians have used and are still using the pursuit of quality education as an excuse to ‘japa’, as education is seen as the best bet to get visas easily with various countries offering scholarships for Master’s and undergraduate programmes, some of which come with an option for permanent residency.

On November 29, 2022, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, revealed that only about 10,000 resident doctors were left in the country, adding that about 100 resident doctors leave the country monthly to seek greener pastures.

In the same vein, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, said over 260 Nigerian teachers have migrated to Canada alone within the year 2022. He also said the United Nations had hinted of its intention to embark on mass recruitment of teachers from Nigeria.

The United Kingdom recently issued a circular stating that from February 2023, Nigerian citizens would be able to apply for a qualified teacher status through the Teaching Regulation Agency in the United Kingdom, that will see teachers get jobs in the UK. I daresay the 260 figure recorded by the TRCN may soon double or even triple.

What are the drivers of the Japa phenomenon in recent years? What factors led and are leading to the mass exodus of Nigerians abroad? Why are people leaving in droves and some even daring to escape via ship rudders, ignoring threat of certain danger or possible death just to emigrate?

In this piece, some Nigerians who emigrated to the UK, US, Canada and even the Asian country of Hong Kong speak on their various personal experiences.

Greener pastures

Mo, a 29-year-old Nigerian woman who recently moved to the UK, said she took the decision to leave Nigeria in search of better standard of living and better opportunities. She said living in Nigeria had become burdensome so she wanted a change of environment. Mo further revealed that an opportunity to return to Nigeria even if things finally begin to work out was not an option for her.

She said, “I moved to the UK nine months ago and I have no regrets about it. I wanted a change of environment and better standard of living for myself and my family. I have grown tired of Nigeria.

“Even if I am given an opportunity to return, I would not take it, I won’t even consider it, at least not now.”

A Hong Kong-based Nigerian, Chioma Eugene, said she would rather live in a country that provides better opportunities for her children than where such doesn’t exist.

She said, “I’d rather want my children to have a better chance at different opportunities than being judged by their passports. It’s enough that some people will most likely judge them by their skin colour, so let’s not add to that.”

A Lagos-based man, Mr Eze, whose children are schooling in the US and UK, said he wouldn’t want his children to have to go through all that he went through to make it in life. He said the opportunities attached to schooling abroad are unending compared to the Nigerian universities where strikes had become a norm.

“My son is schooling in the US and my daughter is schooling in the UK. You can’t compare the opportunities they already have even as they’re still in school. It’s not easy training them, the money is huge, but I’d rather this than Nigerian universities where strike is the order of the day. ASUU just finished an eight-month long strike and is still dragging the Federal Government over unpaid salaries.

“Does that sound like a serious country to you?” he questioned.

A working system

Eugene said the worst enemy of an average Nigerian is the system. She said the Nigerian system is designed to “make one fail” adding that although living abroad is not easy, the system is designed to help everyone succeed regardless.

She said, “I have been living in Hong Kong for nine years now and the difference is clear. I visited Nigeria in June 2022 and I’m still very shocked at the state of things.

“Life abroad may be hard but the system is built in such a way that you can find a way out of any tough spot with the government’s help and of course with the help of your own community. However, the system in Nigeria is almost as though it’s built to make one fail no matter how hard one tries. One can’t live in Nigeria as one would in any normal, sane society.”

Sharing a similar perspective, another Nigerian based in the UK, Oscar George, 44, said poor leadership accentuated by nepotism has eaten deep into the Nigerian system, hindering it from working.

He said, “Nigeria is lacking in patriotic leadership. Nepotism has eaten deep into the system. There’s also poor education of the citizenry and leadership. It’s like nothing works.

“Nobody is preventing me from returning but Nigeria actually seems to be a lost cause. There is a high level of lack of integrity across board.”

Also commenting, a US-based Nigerian, identified as Nsikan, said, “If we can make Nigeria an environment that works, where the barest minimum welfare and standard of living isn’t a problem, the japa trend might actually start to slow down. People need to see a system that is working, a system that is designed to help its citizens succeed.”

Basic infrastructure

Mr. Chima Rokee, a Nigerian living in Canada, said basic infrastructure is one of the things enjoyed after relocation, something that is not easily provided for in Nigeria. He also said a working credit system is one that should be considered.

Rokee said, “Value of time and a functional credit system are the biggest. Then, there are the obvious ones like infrastructure, social security and human rights.”

When asked if he would ever consider returning to Nigeria if things begin to work post-2023 elections, Rokee said, “Depends on what you mean by a chance to return back. The wage disparity is too wide and I’m really comfortable here. The major downside for me is the weather. If I’m given the chance to just be in Nigeria during the winter months, I’ll take it.

“It will take more than a good leader to fix Nigeria. We have to make our large population productive. Nigeria has to become a sweatshop. We can learn from China, India and the like. Countries with a large population of poor people but managed to somehow turn it around.”

Another UK-based Nigerian, Bukola Abel, said, “Although living abroad is not easy, especially in the UK, at least you’re sure of basic things in life you need to survive. Here, everything is taxed, you must calculate your money before spending, you can’t even gift anybody money, but no matter how tough it can get, things work. That’s the difference. There’s a chance for growth. If you’re hardworking, you can survive in the UK and make it.”

Nsikan added, “If we can set up basic infrastructure that works including but not limited to good roads and good road networks, hospitals, schools. These little things that one needs to survive will go a long way.”

Insecurity and police brutality

“Insecurity is one that tops my list on what scares me the most about Naija. I was supposed to come back to the country this December to spend Christmas with my parents there, but I had a friend that just returned to the UK who escaped being kidnapped back in Nigeria. It’s unbelievable how terrible our security has become,” Bukola said.

“When my family members tell me they’re travelling within Nigeria, I get so scared. I was recently in the country, so I know the security challenges firsthand. I was around when the Owo Church attack happened. It’s a major reason why I cannot return, at least not anytime soon. The police also aren’t helping matters.

“Almost every Nigerian knows someone who is a victim of police brutality. See the recent case of the Lagos lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, how are we still here as a country? It’s a scary reality that there is no security for the public. The police need to be reformed,” Eugene noted.

Commenting on insecurity, another UK-based Nigerian woman, Ade, who relocated four months ago, said, “Coming back home is not an option for me because I do not see a future for my unborn children there. I could get killed by just walking on the road accidentally because someone who is supposed to be protecting me, shot me.”

Corruption and unaccountability

“The corruption in Nigeria is not news in the international community. There’s corruption everywhere but our own is peculiar. The entire system needs to be purged of corrupt officials from bottom to top and everyone needs to be made accountable, if we are serious about improvement,” Eugene noted.

Sharing a similar perspective, George said, “If we want to curb the japa trend, Nigeria needs to really fight corruption and amend the constitution to prevent public offices from becoming a source to get wealthy.”
PUNCH

Headline

British Family Accused Of Boarding Dead Grandmother On EasyJet Flight

Published

11 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Editor

A British family has been accused of trying to board a dead relative onto an EasyJet flight from Málaga, Spain, to London Gatwick on Thursday, passengers said.

The woman, reportedly 89 years old, was wheeled onto the plane by five family members, who told airline staff she was unwell and had fallen asleep.

Witnesses said the woman was pushed in a wheelchair to the rear of the plane and lifted into her seat. Some claimed they overheard a family member tell a boarding clerk, “It’s OK, she’s just tired,” adding, “It’s OK, we’re doctors.”

Just before takeoff, the cabin crew realized the woman had died, and the plane was turned around, delaying the flight by 12 hours.

Petra Boddington, a passenger, said: “easyJet, when did you start letting dead people onto planes? Seriously!” Another, Tracy-Ann Kitching, added: “I saw her being wheeled onto the plane; someone was holding her head as they passed me! A doctor on board confirmed that was already dead when they sat her down.”

EasyJet has denied that a deceased person boarded the plane. The airline said the passenger had a fit-to-fly certificate and was alive when she boarded.

“The flight returned to the stand prior to take-off due to a customer on board requiring urgent medical assistance. The flight was met by emergency services, but sadly the customer passed away,” a spokesperson said.

The Guardia Civil in Málaga confirmed officers attended the aircraft, and the woman was declared dead on board. No arrests have been made.

Headline

Russian Strike On Odesa Region Kills Eight, Injures 27

Published

11 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Editor

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service has reported at least eight people killed and 27 others injured on Friday night after a Russian ballistic missile strike hit the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack targeted port infrastructure facilities in the town of Pivdenne, near Odesa, and damaged nearby civilian vehicles.

The strike came one week after much of Odesa was left without power, heat, and water following a “severe” aerial assault.

“Some of the injured were on a bus that was at the epicenter of the shelling. Trucks caught fire in the parking lot, and cars were also damaged,” the State Emergency Service said.

Emergency officials said the deaths occurred at a port infrastructure facility. Medical teams and first responders were deployed after the strike, but their work was disrupted by “ongoing air raid alerts,” according to Oleh Kiper, head of Odesa’s regional administration.

Russia has carried out repeated attacks on Odesa in recent days, damaging port facilities, civilian vessels, and key infrastructure.

Two major bridges linking the northern and southern parts of the Odesa region have also been hit, with repairs under way, Kiper said.

Elsewhere, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported a “massive” drone attack on the southern Mykolayiv region, which damaged civilian infrastructure and vehicles. No casualties were reported.

Odesa, Ukraine’s largest seaport and a major hub in the Black Sea region, has been a frequent target since the start of the war.

Last week, civilian, energy, and industrial sites in the city suffered extensive damage after what regional officials described as “one of the enemy’s most severe airstrikes,” leaving many areas without power and water.

Russia’s Defence Ministry has not commented on the attack.

Speaking hours before the strike during his annual Direct Line call-in show, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia was yet to “see Ukraine’s readiness for peace”.

“[Russia] is ready for negotiations and for ending the conflict via peaceful means,” Putin said, adding that it was up to Russia’s “Western opponents” to end the war.

(CNN)

Headline

Aircraft Crashes In Owerri With Four Persons Onboard

Published

4 days ago

December 17, 2025

Editor

Photo: File copy

A Cessna 172 aircraft with registration number 5N-ASR, operated by Skypower Express, has crashed at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.

The aircraft had departed Kaduna International Airport en route to Port Harcourt International Airport before diverting to Owerri after the crew declared an emergency.

The crash occurred at about 8:00 pm on the airport premises, with four passengers and crew members onboard.

Confirming the incident, the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, said the agency had been notified of the crash.

According to the NSIB, the aircraft crashed on the approach area of Runway 17, but no fatalities have been recorded so far.

The statement said: “Following the occurrence, airport emergency services were successfully activated and arrived on site promptly. Reports indicate that there was no post-crash fire, and the runway remains active for flight operations, with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident.

“Efforts are currently underway to coordinate the recovery and evacuation of the distressed aircraft from the crash site to allow for a detailed wreckage examination.”

The NSIB said it has officially activated its investigation protocols in line with its statutory mandate

The Director-General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., sympathised with the management of Skypower Express over the incident and expressed relief that no lives were lost.

Badeh Jr. added that the Bureau’s investigation team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the crash site and commence a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident.

Two days ago, 11 persons narrowly escaped death as a private jet crash-landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Sunday morning.

The occupants, including passengers and cabin crew, were safely evacuated amid an intense atmosphere, eyewitnesses told The Guardian.

The private jet, owned by Flybird Aviation, crash-landed at about 9:30 a.m. while approaching Kano Airport en route to Abuja.

The incident attracted urgent attention, with emergency staff and other stakeholders converging at the runway to render rescue operations.

The management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is yet to release an official statement on the incident. Unofficial sources disclosed that the passengers have been taken to an unknown destination.

Several aircraft incidents have occurred at Kano Airport, with several lives lost.

The last incident occurred in May 2002, when an EAS Airline aircraft departed the runway at Aminu Kano International Airport at 1:29 p.m. local time en route to Lagos.