A former presidential spokesman and TV personality, Reuben Abati has advocated a comprehensive reform of the nation’s higher education system and tackling governance and economic issues in order to address the brain drain challenge in the country.
He made the call while delivering the First Convocation Lecture of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State held at the King Kpadia Memorial Civic Centre.
The Lecture topic was ‘The Japa Syndrome and the Future of University Education in Nigeria: Thinking Outside the Box’.
Dr. Reuben Abati, a renowned Journalist and Academic noted that the japa or brain drain syndrome was as a result of several factors which include economic instability, insecurity, frustrated ambitions, corruption, lack of opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, poor governance and deteriorating public services especially in the education and health sectors.
The former Spokesman fory then President Goodluck Jonathan asserted that the Japa syndrome has triggered an exodus of Nigerian youths to foreign lands, robbing Universities and the naCapital its best intellectual capital while affecting national development adversely, posing a human resource challenge to the country.
Dr. Abati however said the brain drain phenomenon also presents an opportunity through Nigerians in the diaspora contribution to the nation, advocating reforms of the country’s higher education system and stakeholders collaboration as panacea to the japa challenge.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Mr. Kemela Okara said there was a need for paradigm shift in tertiary education that requires adequate funding for institutions in the country.
Meanwhile, the University of Africa, Toru-Orua has graduated 905 graduates across four sets from 2020/2021 through 2023/2024 Academic Sessions at its maiden convocation ceremony with the Award of Bachelor’s Degree in various disciplines.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Solomon Ebobrah who made this known at a News Briefing said the institution which was established by the University of Africa Law 2016 of Bayelsa State as amended, serves as a special vehicle to address the critical educational needs of previously marginalised communities through the provision of quality education.
Professor Ebobrah stated that out of the 905 graduates, 66 earned first class, 323 had second class upper, 384 settled for second class lower, 123 had third class while 9 were in the Pass Division.The Professor of Law said with an initial student population of less than 500 in the 2017/2018 Academic Session, the University of Africa, Toru-Orua now has about 4000 students from 28 States of the Federation and has commenced a post graduate school from last year.