By Ese Ikefe
Students gather in classrooms, hostels, cafeterias and leisure areas across Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, every week to discuss lectures, assignments, relationships and their future. Yet one topic continues to dominate these conversations: leaving Nigeria.
Whether in lecture halls, faculties, departments or student hostels, discussions about “Japa” have become increasingly common. For many students, the popular slang is no longer just a trendy expression; it has become a serious life plan.
The Yoruba word Japa, which means “to flee” or “escape,” has evolved into a symbol of hope for many Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad. From the United Kingdom and Canada to Australia, Germany and the United States, many students now view migration as a pathway to a more secure and prosperous future.
This migration dream is fueled by a combination of experiences and frustrations shared by students across the university. While some are concerned about insecurity, others worry about unemployment, low wages, poor infrastructure, challenges in the healthcare system and what they perceive as inadequate governance.
For Michael Oghene, a 300-level Political Science student, insecurity remains the primary reason he plans to leave the country after graduation.
“At times, everyone feels like they are not safe anymore,” he said.
“You hear stories of kidnappings almost every day. Before travelling, your family keeps calling to know whether you have arrived safely. People avoid certain roads because they are afraid. Living with that kind of fear constantly is exhausting.”
According to Michael, insecurity has gradually changed the way many young people think about their future.
“How can you concentrate on building a career when you do not feel safe? Many people want to relocate simply because they want peace of mind,” he said.
He believes that reports of kidnappings, armed robbery and other violent crimes have weakened the confidence many young Nigerians have in the country’s future.
“Sometimes it feels as though crime is becoming more rewarding than hard work. When people continue to pay huge ransoms and insecurity persists, many young Nigerians lose confidence in the system. It makes you wonder whether the government is doing enough to protect lives and property.”
For Esther Efe, a final-year Economics student, the fear of unemployment is the major factor driving her desire to leave Nigeria.
“One of the most disappointing experiences is seeing graduates from previous years still searching for jobs,” she said.
“You spend years studying, writing examinations and carrying out projects, yet after graduation there is no guarantee that you will find meaningful employment.”
Esther explained that many students have become increasingly anxious about what awaits them after school.
“Some students perform exceptionally well academically but still struggle to find jobs. Naturally, they begin to look elsewhere for opportunities.”
Her comments reflect growing concerns among students who believe that migration is becoming a necessity rather than a choice because of limited employment opportunities.
Blessing Akpoveta, a 500-level Medicine and Surgery student, sees the issue from a healthcare perspective.
She believes that the state of Nigeria’s health sector is evident in the increasing number of medical professionals leaving the country.
“They are trained to save lives, but many doctors and nurses are leaving because they do not feel valued,” she said.
“The workload is high, but the remuneration is not attractive. Every year, healthcare professionals move abroad in search of better pay and improved working conditions.”
Blessing worries that this trend sends a troubling message to medical students.
“When experienced professionals continue to leave, you begin to question whether your own future lies here or elsewhere.”
She added that concerns among medical students extend beyond salaries to include inadequate equipment, poor working conditions and limited opportunities for professional development.
For Osaze Monday, a 400-level Agricultural Science student, the problem lies in the underdevelopment of key sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture.
“Nigeria has enormous agricultural potential, yet many young people are discouraged from entering the sector because of poor policies and inadequate support,” he said.
“We have fertile land and abundant manpower, yet farmers continue to face numerous challenges. Millions of jobs could be created if agriculture were properly developed.”
Osaze believes that government efforts have not been sufficient to unlock the full potential of critical sectors of the economy.
“Sometimes opportunities exist, but the systems needed to make them successful are simply not in place.”
Another student, Jennifer Okoro, a 300-level Sociology student, believes the issue extends beyond any single challenge.
For her, the most significant concern is a lack of confidence in leadership.
“Many young people feel forgotten,” she said.
“Promises of development, job creation and improved living conditions are constantly made, but in many cases they never materialize. Over time, people become frustrated.”
Jennifer argued that poor governance affects virtually every aspect of life.
“When roads are bad, electricity is unreliable, schools lack adequate facilities, the healthcare system struggles and corruption dominates the headlines, people naturally begin to ask whether things will ever improve.”
According to her, migration is often a response to years of disappointment and unmet expectations.
“It is not wrong for young people to want a better future. Everyone wants to live in a place where their hard work can produce meaningful results.”
In addition to these concerns, many students cite the rising cost of living as another reason for considering relocation. Food prices continue to increase, transportation costs have risen significantly and basic necessities are becoming increasingly difficult for many families to afford.
For students who rely heavily on financial support from parents and guardians, these economic realities cannot be ignored.
Conversations about exchange rates, scholarships, visa applications, international examinations and relocation opportunities are now common across student hostels. In much the same way students discuss assignments and examinations, they also exchange information about studying and working abroad.
The trend has been further amplified by social media. Videos and stories featuring Nigerians succeeding abroad often attract thousands of views and comments from young people who hope to follow similar paths.
However, not everyone believes migration is a perfect solution.
Some students acknowledge the challenges associated with relocating, including homesickness, cultural adjustment, discrimination and separation from family and friends. Nevertheless, many still believe that the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
The significance of the Japa conversation lies in the fact that it reflects the aspirations and frustrations of some of Nigeria’s brightest young minds. These students are future doctors, economists, lawyers, sociologists, political scientists and agricultural experts. Their desire to seek opportunities elsewhere raises important questions about Nigeria’s ability to retain its skilled workforce.
Ironically, many students insist that they do not hate Nigeria.
They speak fondly of the country’s rich culture, resilience, creativity and diversity. They recognize its enormous potential and vast opportunities. What frustrates them, they say, is the feeling that this potential remains largely unrealized year after year.
As graduation draws closer for thousands of students at Delta State University, many continue to nurture dreams that extend beyond Nigeria’s borders.
For some, Japa represents an escape from insecurity. For others, it is a response to unemployment, low wages, inflation, inadequate infrastructure and concerns about governance.
However, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: confidence in a better future within Nigeria remains fragile. Until that confidence is restored, the dream of building a life abroad will continue to occupy the minds of many young Nigerians.
And in lecture halls across DELSU, that dream continues to shape conversations about the future.
Ese Ikefe is a 200-level student of Journalism and Media Studies at Delta State University, Abraka
