Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has addressed the rising trend of youth emigration, known as the ‘Japa Syndrome,’ urging deliberate investment in technical and vocational education to empower young people with skills for self-reliance rather than seeking employment overseas.
Governor Diri made these remarks in Yenagoa after receiving the “Hero of Nigerian Students” award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), recognizing his achievements in the education sector.
Grateful for the honor, Governor Diri encouraged students to focus on nation-building and developing skills to impact Nigeria positively rather than pursuing opportunities abroad. “Our education system is overly certificate-based, which contributes to high unemployment,” he explained. “To combat this, we need to revamp our curriculum to prioritize vocational, technical, and science-based education, where graduates can become employers rather than job seekers.”
The governor highlighted Bayelsa’s shift towards technical and science education, with technical colleges built and equipped across six out of eight local government areas. He added that these schools offer free tuition, accommodation, and meals, funded by the state. “This is our approach to true human capital development. Beyond building roads and bridges, we’re building our people’s potential,” he said.
Governor Diri also mentioned the significance of sponsoring students to participate in international sporting events, exposing them to global standards and encouraging a forward-thinking mindset. “It’s not time to ‘Japa,’ but rather to think inwards and embrace innovation that can drive a state-wide and national transformation,” he urged.
A Model for Other States
Presenting the award, NANS Senate President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye, praised Governor Diri’s initiatives, especially the establishment and equipping of technical colleges across Bayelsa. “This approach is crucial in a country where many graduates face unemployment. Technical education equips students with practical skills, ensuring they don’t just leave school with certificates but with job-ready skills,” Akinteye stated, urging other states to emulate Bayelsa’s model.
He also commended the governor’s commitment to security, highlighting Bayelsa’s selection as the venue for NANS’ 85th Senate session, a choice supported by the Minister of Defence due to the state’s stability. Akinteye further acknowledged the governor’s sponsorship of Bayelsa students representing Nigeria in international competitions, describing it as “intentional leadership that sets an example.”
