Mivhael-Azeez Ogunsiji, Abeokuta
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State and Chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee at the National Assembly, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has said the creation of well-paying jobs and a conducive working environment is critical to discouraging Nigerian graduates from leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District, said the government must provide opportunities that would make young Nigerians willing to remain in the country rather than seek greener pastures overseas.
He spoke on Sunday in Abeokuta the Ogun State capital, at a youth interactive session, tagged: Genz Asks, Yayi Speaks.
He expressed concerns over the exodus of skilled professionals, particularly medical doctors, nurses and other highly trained personnel, under the trend popularly known as Japa.
The senator noted that many Nigerians who relocate abroad in search of better opportunities often encounter difficulties securing jobs in their areas of specialisation, with some professionals ending up in menial jobs despite their academic qualifications and experience.
According to him, some Nigerian medical doctors who migrated abroad eventually find themselves working in hotels, restaurants and other establishments because of the stringent requirements for professional practice in their destination countries.
He added that the difficulty of securing suitable employment abroad, coupled with the shame some migrants feel about returning home without achieving their expectations, often discourages them from coming back to Nigeria.
Adeola, however, maintained that the country could reverse the trend by improving employment opportunities, remuneration and working conditions, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare.
“I agree with you that it is a bit of a challenge for us as a state and as a country. But I know that as time passes by, this issue will be fully addressed.
“From my own end here, I can assure you that I will do everything within my means to ensure that our best hands are retained within the country,” he said.
The senator stressed the need for the government to ensure that Nigerian graduates have access to well-paying jobs and an enabling environment where they can develop their skills, advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He said Ogun State needed more medical doctors and nurses, warning that the continued departure of trained professionals could worsen manpower shortages and undermine the delivery of essential services.
“We need more doctors in Ogun State. We need more nurses in Ogun State. We cannot afford the ones that study here, after several years, to now jump,” he said.
Adeola added that efforts should be made to ensure that professionals trained and sponsored within the country are retained in the system, rather than allowing them to leave immediately after completing their education.
He also challenged the perception that living and working abroad necessarily guarantees a better quality of life, noting that migrants must contend with high living costs, taxes and strict professional regulations in their host countries.
Using the United Kingdom as an example, the senator cited the high cost of petrol and taxation as factors that could reduce the financial benefits of working abroad.
He argued that Nigerians should consider the realities of living overseas, rather than judging opportunities solely by foreign earnings or the attraction of relocating to developed countries.
Adeola also disclosed that his son, who studied mechanical engineering and is currently pursuing a master’s degree, had expressed his intention to return to Nigeria after completing his studies.
According to him, his son’s decision reinforced the possibility of young Nigerians choosing to build their careers at home when they see opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The senator said the government must go beyond appeals for patriotism by creating practical incentives that would make remaining in Nigeria an attractive option for skilled workers and young graduates.
He emphasised that competitive salaries, improved working conditions and an enabling environment for professionals to showcase their talents would be central to addressing the country’s brain drain.
Adeola expressed optimism that sustained efforts by the government could gradually reverse the trend, adding that measures would be taken to ensure that young Nigerians do not feel compelled to leave the country immediately after completing their examinations or professional training.
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