During a meeting with heads of ministry agencies and directors of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mamman bemoaned the lack of coverage of the issue in the media. The Yoruba phrase "Japa," which means "to run, flee, or escape," represents how Nigerians have left their nation in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
Medical professionals, lawyers, bankers, academics, computer nerds, engineers, skilled and unskilled workers, and others are leaving the country in large numbers to pursue chances abroad, according to The Guardian.
Results indicate that the high number of retirements has further hindered the development in the tertiary education sub-sector. Speaking on the subject, the minister stated that the current administration would not act in a reactive manner but would instead address problems head-on before they get out of hand.
He claims that universities in Nigeria suffer greatly as a result of the brain drain phenomena. Mamman, a former vice chancellor of Baze University in Abuja, bemoaned the knowledge and experience gaps that arise when bright academics depart the nation for study abroad programs. He claimed that this had a detrimental impact on the standard of instruction, research, and invention at Nigerian universities.
However, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has disagreed with the minister, blaming a number of issues including inadequate pay, inconsistent policy, reversals of policy, and a dearth of employment possibilities.
In an interview with The Guardian, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the National President of CONUA, urged the government to address two crucial issues for academics in tertiary institutions: increasing the pay of university lecturers and fostering a supportive environment.
Additionally, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, Vice-Chancellor of Mountain Top University (MTU) Mowe, Ogun State, issued a warning, stating that as long as the country's economy continues to deteriorate and the level of insecurity persists, Nigerians will continue to depart in large numbers.
Speaking at a media briefing at MTU, Prayer City, Ogun State, Ayolabi clarified that the best minds in Nigeria will not remain in a nation already labeled a failed state, despite a battered economy, challenges with insecurity, volatile exchange rates, and other factors. This is true regardless of how much pressure from the government and the National Assembly.
In his view, President Tinubu needs to demonstrate his shrewdness and fervor in order to revive the refineries, address the issues of insecurity, and prioritize strengthening the nation's agricultural sector.
"The economy has to be fixed," he declared. Additionally, if the economy is mended, you'll notice that people will want to return and stay in this place. However, nothing can be done about it as long as the economy remains this way.
"Our major challenge here is electricity and this is what consumes a greater percentage of our resources," he remarked while speaking about the difficulties MTU has as a varsity. We spend roughly N30 million for a diesel truck here these days. You may be sure that the N30 million will vanish within a month if the distribution business does not provide any supply. Thus, diesel is the primary resource consumer and presents significant challenges.