The Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, emphasized that the solutions to Nigeria’s myriad challenges can be found within the country itself, rather than relying on external assistance. Agboola expressed concern over the increasing trend of youth and citizens leaving Nigeria, informally referred to as the “Japa syndrome.” He urged Nigerian sociologists and academics to spearhead strategic initiatives aimed at reversing this trend.This statement was made during the 29th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Anthropological and Sociological Practitioners Association, held at the university, as noted in a statement released on Tuesday. Agboola highlighted that addressing Nigeria’s challenges necessitates more than just governmental policies; it requires proactive involvement from the academic community, civil society, and other stakeholders committed to fostering a brighter future.The conference, themed “Rebuilding Nigeria: Approaches to Effective Governance and Social Transformation,” was organized in partnership with the Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies.During a meeting with the NASA delegation, led by President Prof. Hauwa’u Evelyn Yusuf, Agboola warned that the long-term effects of the Japa phenomenon could be detrimental to Nigeria over the next two decades. “We are the only ones capable of solving our problems; foreigners will not come back to rectify our issues, no matter how much they care,” he stated. “If they truly cared, they wouldn’t be taking our brightest minds away.”He called on academics to collaborate in crafting sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political hurdles, while disavowing dependence on political leaders.In his address at the conference, Agboola expressed hope for a more prosperous, equitable, and united Nigeria. He underscored the necessity for academics to contribute both intellectual and practical frameworks to facilitate national transformation. “Our approach to effective governance and social transformation must be holistic, inclusive, and sustainable, embracing Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity while promoting unity and opportunities for all,” he asserted.Prof. Yusuf, in her remarks, recognized NASA conferences as vital venues for scholarly exchange, networking, and professional growth. She commended OOU for its support in hosting the event and its commitment to academic excellence. Earlier, Prof. Obatunde Adetola, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, articulated that the conference’s goal was to identify solutions for Nigeria’s developmental challenges.The event featured the conferment of Fellowship awards to Prof. Adetola and ten other distinguished individuals, alongside a roundtable discussion addressing challenges faced by sociologists in their teaching and research endeavors. Awardees included Prof. John Oyefara Lekan, HE Manassah Daniel Jatau, Dr. David Olom Nkpe, Dr. Martha Uchenna Ogbuke, Hon. Adamu Inuwa Ibrahim, Senator Stephen Odey, Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide, Mr. Kazeem Abiodun, Mrs. Bolanle Oniyitan, and Prof. Oka Martin Obolo.
