From Sade Adewale, Ondo
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Failure of citizens to do what is right has been identified as the cause of immigration of Nigerians in droves to other countries.
A University Don, Prof. Kehinde Ayantayo, made the statement in a lead paper presented at the 14th Annual conference of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, which held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium in the institution.
Speaking on the theme of the conference: “Emigration, Brain Drain and The ‘Japa -Syndrome’: Paradoxes and Corollaries of a Changing Identity” he described the twin problems of brain drain and japa-syndrome, as worrisome.
The Professor of Religious Ethics, Society, Peace and Conflict studies at the University of Ibadan, went down memory lane, stating that the problems, which reared its ugly heads in the early 70’s and 80’s, have had negative effect on the country, and its citizens, resulting in the loss of identity by the latter.
While x-raying some of the main causes of brain drains and the now trending Japa syndrome, the University don placed the blame on individuals, society and the government, stating that the problems became hydra-headed as a result of failures to do what is right, just, fair and equitable as enunciated by the two holy books, the Bible and Quran.
The University scholar also identified what he described as the craze for materials wealth, lack of patriotism and the failure to treat other people with dignity as other factors responsible for the malaise.
As panacea, Prof. Ayantayo harped on the need for religious bodies, to have fear of God, by placing less emphasis on material acquisition, and also doing exactly what they preach.
He also advised security agencies to exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties, while calling on business owners to always ensure that they treat their workers favourably by paying them well.
Earlier in a keynote addressed delivered on the occasion by Dr. Olusola Dada Olorunyomi described the theme of the conference as apt, stating that the Japa syndrome arose as a result of mismanagement of the county’s economy.
In the speech delivered on the occasion by the Provost of the College, Dr. Samuel Akintunde, who was represented by the Chairman, University Transition Committee, Dr. Olufemi Olajuyigbe, he congratulated the organizers of the conference, and expressed optimism that with the calibre of academic scholars invited to deliver keynote address and papers, the outcome of the conference would be of immense benefit, not only to the participants, but the nation at large.
