A scholar of Systematic Theology at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Godwin Akper, has revealed that the unpalatable Nigerian environment is pushing many Nigerians out the country to the developed nations known as “japa”.

The mass exodus of Nigerians to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other advanced nations in search for greener pastures has been tagged “japa” which the elite referred to as a syndrome responsible for drain drain and modern slavery.

Speaking about the japa syndrome, Akper said that the future of Nigeria was dependent on its people and the early realisation of the ethics of hospitality and ubuntu in the country’s local communities.

Akper made the call on Thursday in Abuja while delivering the 25th inaugural lecture of NOUN with the theme: “Are we the reason? (Christian) Religion in the Nigerian Public Spheres.”

The don advocates that the Nigerian society should be hospitable to everyone including the youths, who are leaving the country en masse for other parts of the world to explore.

Akper said, “The future of our dear nation depends on our early realisation of the ethics of hospitality and ubuntu in our local communities.

“We teach ‘Nigerian peoples and cultures’, yet our graduates find it difficult to identify who they are as Nigerians; this may be a factor contributing to the ‘Japa’ syndrome among adults and our youths.

“This may be a factor contributing to the ‘japa’ syndrome among adults and our youths. Our graduates today hail their mates who secure either work permits or green cards to commence what I consider to be a journey towards slavery to Asian, middle east and western economies.

“We have left the dreams and ideals of the founding fathers of Africa and Nigeria. So, we are now reaping what we never planted.”

The scholar called on all stakeholders in Nigeria and Africa at large to embrace the values of showing hospitality.

“I make a call with a deep sense of conviction, that we revert to our known values of showing hospitality, even  to strangers in our midst.

“The Nigerian society should be one of those African communities that depend on one another to be a people of great reputation,” he added.