How a theologian’s radical vision for moral renewal challenges Nigeria’s brain drain crisis
A Nation at a Crossroads
In a packed Convocation Arena at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) on April 25, 2024, Professor Godwin I. Akper took the stage to deliver a lecture that would resonate far beyond academia. Titled “Are We the Reason? (Christian) Religion in Nigerian Public Spheres,” his address confronted a haunting paradox: as Nigeria grapples with a mass exodus of skilled professionals (“Japa”), the solution may lie not in economic reforms alone but in reclaiming the nation’s moral soul.
The Japa Crisis: More Than Economic Desperation
Akper’s lecture arrived amid a deepening national crisis. Reports reveal Nigeria’s healthcare system—strained by malnutrition, poverty, and medical brain drain—is collapsing under the weight of neglect. Children starve, hospitals languish, and professionals flee. Yet Akper argued that economic fixes are futile without moral foundation. He traced Nigeria’s struggles to a neglect of core religious values—not as dogma, but as a framework for public morality.
Ubuntu: The African Philosophy of Interconnectedness
Central to Akper’s thesis is Ubuntu, the African philosophy asserting, “I am because we are.” He contrasted this with the individualism driving “Japa,” emphasizing that Nigeria’s survival depends on rebuilding communal bonds. “Africans must seek identities that unite rather than divide,” he declared, urging a return to values prioritizing collective well-being over personal escape.
Religion’s Dual Role: Problem and Solution
Akper critiqued Nigeria’s performative religiosity—churches proliferate yet public ethics decay. He noted:
Positive Influence: Religion has driven education, healthcare, and humanitarian efforts.
Negative Impact: Moral hypocrisy in leadership and society fuels corruption and inequality.
His call? Religious institutions must model authenticity, championing justice and inclusivity rather than privilege.
NOUN’s Role: Technology and Human Connection
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Technology, Innovation, and Research, Akper practices what he preaches. Under his leadership, NOUN has:
Pioneered AI-proctored exams during COVID-19, becoming Africa’s first virtual examination host.
Scaled enrollment to over 80,000 graduates, expanding access to education for marginalized communities.
For Akper, technology must serve humanity—bridging gaps rather than fostering alienation.
A Blueprint for National Renewal
Akper’s proposals for combating “Japa” through moral revival include:
1. Education Reform: Integrate Ubuntu ethics into curricula to foster national pride.
2. Leadership Accountability: Hold religious and political figures to public moral standards.
3. Economic Justice: Address poverty not as a statistic but as a moral failure.
The Future of Nigeria Hangs in the Balance
Akper’s lecture transcends academic theory. It is a call to action for Nigerians to rediscover their shared humanity. As he stated: “Those who live and work today to preserve the future live long enough to see the future”. In a nation teetering between despair and hope, his words offer a path forward—one where “Japa” is replaced by a commitment to build, not flee.
Why This Matters:
Akper’s ideas challenge reductionist narratives about “Japa.” They remind us that development requires not just policies but moral courage. As Nigeria faces a pivotal moment, his vision demands attention—from policymakers, religious leaders, and every citizen invested in a brighter future.
