Nile Varsity Innovation, Research To Tackle ‘Japa Syndrome’ – Dogo

The Vice-chancellor of Nile University of Nigeria, Prof. Dilli Dogo, has said that the university’s continued investment in academic research and innovations will enhance its medical offerings to tackle the Japa Syndrome phenomenon.

Dogo said in pursuit to ensure sound educational competence for its students, the university has invested heavily in infrastructure including the construction of a medical simulation center that will bridge the gap and promote the best medical and clinical practices.

LEADERSHIP reports that Japa Syndrome remains one of the most pressing issues facing the nation at the moment, where Nigerians massively migrate out of the country, especially to the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, seeking better opportunities.

According to a Social Cohesion Survey, 7 out 10 Nigerians would leave the country at the slightest opportunity, including migration for education and medical tourism.

The development has continued to worry stakeholders especially in the educational sector, with serious implications for Nigeria’s economy as well as for the individual aspirations.

To address these challenges, Dogo said, through strategic partnerships with industry leaders and government agencies, the university is providing students with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research projects that address societal challenges including technology and healthcare.

Speaking at the university’s 11th convocation in Abuja, he said that the university is spearheading innovation and pioneering solutions that have the potential to transform Nigeria’s future.
According to him, Nile university is currently constructing a state-of-the-art medical simulation centre that is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“We graduated the first set of medical students this year, and the federal government has requested for an increase in the number of medical students to cater for the migration of doctors due to the “Japa Syndrome.
“To that effect, we are continually investing in and improving our medical offerings to ensure that they remain on par with international standards and consistently attract students who would otherwise have travelled abroad for their medical education.

“The medical simulation centre, which enables students to carry out multiple lifelike simulations in a safe and controlled environment, promises to further enhance our ability to produce top quality doctors who are ready to make an impact in Nigeria’s healthcare sector”, he said.

Speaking further, Dogo ascribed the institution’s success and upward trajectory, which saw it graduating over 1,200 students this year compared to 800 in 2022, to its admission into the Honoris United Universities in 2020.

At the convocation, five outstanding students, who achieved a 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) received special recognition scholarships and cash gifts from sponsors including ProvidusBank and Zenith Bank.

They were Oluwabusayo Olawale Ifonjala (LLB Law), Bolaqis Muhammad Sani (B.Sc. Biochemistry), Musa Adesegun Badaru (B.Eng. Electrical & Electronics Engineering), Abundance Abimbola Adejori (LLB Law), Anas Abubakar (LLB Law).

The first and second runners-up, with excellent CGPAs, were also celebrated at the event. They were:1st Runner-up: James Williams C. Gabriel (B.Sc. Economics): 4.95 CGPA. Deborah Ndip Bature (B.Eng. Electrical and Electronics Engineering): 4.95 CGPA.

2nd Runner-up: Kenechukwu Jesse Chukwuorji (B.Eng. Electrical & Electronics Engineering): 4.93 CGPA.
Also, Dr. Muhammadu Indimi, founder of Oriental Energy Resources Ltd and Prof. Isaac Adewole, former Minister of Health and Professor of Medicine at the University of Ibadan received honorary degrees for their outstanding contributions to society.

Dogo further stated that Nile University has quickly transformed into a major national player with more than triple the student population pre-Honoris.

He said that the accelerated, unprecedented growth enjoyed by Nile University under the ownership of Honoris results from significant investments in academic innovation, employability and student experience.

“Nile University’s unwavering commitment to excellence, multidisciplinary approach, focus on research and innovation, and dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and leadership have firmly positioned it as a leader in building the future of education in Nigeria.”