Japa: Providing Insights to Youths in Search of Better Opportunities

Funmi Modupe, the CEO of Schoolingyonda Consultancy, recently unveiled a new book, ‘Japa’, which critically examines a generation in transition, driven by the growing interconnectedness of a new world. Uchechukwu Nnaike reports

As humans, migration is second nature, and it is constant. People will always move from one place to another for job opportunities, education, health, security and other reasons.

Today the mass exodus of Nigerians, now popularly known as ‘japa’, has filled the airwaves and social media spaces. Families abroad exchange different kinds of news while the waiting ears of families and friends left back home are usually mixed feelings of joy, shock, success, and sometimes woes.

Nigerians are, however, not alone in this exodus to the “promised land of milk and honey.” In a 2014 article, ‘The Great Chinese Exodus’, The Wall Street Journal reported the why and wherefores of Chinese emigration. To date, China still ranks second next to India as the country with the highest number of migrants around the world. 

Meanwhile, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ most recent estimate of Nigeria’s diaspora is 1.7 million as of June 2020. The estimate appeared in DESA’s International Migration 2020 Highlights report, published in January 2021. The report added that India has the world’s largest diaspora population of 17.8 million.

Nigeria also has stories of different local talents in education, sports, and entertainment within the environment that pivots globally. Although in terms of population, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, recently announced that there are currently about 15 million Nigerians in various parts of the world. As more people leave the shores of the country, it has become imperative to understand the japa trends.

Modupe, through Schoolingyonda Consultancy, has been providing parents with real-time information about studying abroad to enable them to make informed educational decisions on behalf of their children and wards. She said the organization was birthed from the passion and needed to bridge the gap in international education. The new book, therefore, provides more insights.

The unveiling of the book in Lagos was colourful, with guests from different strata of the society ranging from captains of industry to young undergraduates, entrepreneurs and members of the international community.

Modupe SAID, “my book is a must-read for students and their families, as well as anyone interested in the global shift transforming all aspects of life and humanity.”

She said ‘Japa’ is centred around the physical and emotional transitions people make when they travel, offering valuable insights into the benefits of venturing beyond borders. She added that the ideals of ‘Japa’ is changing outside the concept of just a physical migration. It is the seeking of opportunities beyond oneself, location and environmental challenges. 

“In today’s world, despite the thousands leaving the shores of Africa, especially Nigeria, many youths have also started to imbibe and cultivate the culture of remote work enabled by technology. This also led to a fresh and increased focus on acquiring soft skills both home and abroad in readiness for the future of work.”

The author said the book explores a generation in transition caught in the drive towards success and imaginative possibilities, pointing out that the “new resolve should see local, states and federal governments creating more technology infrastructures back home to enable youngsters back home connect other contemporaries around the world in real-time.”

She stated that the uniqueness of cultures across Africa offers a veritable asset to unlock improved social and economic development on the continent.

“Also, because times have changed and young people need to protect their indigenous values and mental health, the need for social progression and cultural transition from one generation to another is so vital like never before,” Modupe stated. “The book Japa showcased ‘a homecoming’, a longing to return or just shadowing for a future return back to the roots. But what do returnees find on homecoming? Is the continent still in ruin? These are the extended narratives on Japa, as there is an urgent need to build and reconnect the homies and diaspora.”

The author added that the lifestyle of humans post-pandemic, school curriculum and the actual nature of work had changed forever. 

“So there is a daunting need for individuals and organisations to unlearn while rethinking new ways to collaborate and solve problems in society,” she added.

She said the book is available in different formats on Amazon or via https://schoolingyonda.com/japa/ and join the conversation on social media to acquire new skills in the workplace.

Modupe has been described as a dynamic woman passionate about young people and education. Also, through her personal experience and understanding of the complexities of transition, she is said to have delivered a thought-provoking and inspiring book.

Having acquired degrees in Geography and Global Marketing locally and internationally, Modupe has amassed over 20 years of experience, serving in various capacities in banking, advertising and as a publisher of Brandfaces Magazine.

Sharing his experience, Ademola Adelakun, a young Computer Science graduate of the University of Lagos, said after completing his university education in 2021 and job hunting for so long with limited opportunities within the corporate and government institutions, he has resolved to “japa” to Canada for greener pastures.

Planning is still important for the likes of Adelakun, who have acquired skills and other human endeavours. Thus, the book will guide such people on how to count the cost of every action or opportunity.