Global student ambassador seeks NASS audience over ‘Japa’ alternative

By Zika Bobby

In a bold move to tackle the nation’s persistent brain drain, the Global Nigeria Student Ambassador, Dr. John Aikeremiokha, said he plans to formally write to the leadership of the National Assembly, requesting a joint audience to present a student-led, data-driven governance framework.

The initiative, dubbed the ‘Return to Nigeria Initiative,’ aims to channel the skills of tech-trained Nigerian youths into public administration, while providing a digital, blockchain-backed blueprint to curb the controversial ‘Japa’ phenomenon.

Backed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the framework aims to channel youth and diaspora talent into national development.

To build the initiative, Aikeremiokha said he embarked on the ongoing gruelling overland journey from London to Nigeria to witness firsthand the risks facing young migrants.

Now, partnering with the British School of Outdoor Education, he said the initiative is training Nigerian students in data science and AI to embed them within government ministries, state agencies and councils to institutionalise evidence-based policy. “Additionally, a blockchain-ready digital portal has been developed and now seeking partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), allowing the diaspora to transparently bid, execute and track local infrastructure projects.

“Nigerian students do not want to be critics from the sidelines,” Aikeremiokha stated, urging lawmakers to provide the legislative backing needed to turn youth disillusionment into structural national progress.

Formally launched at the Presidential Villa during the 2024 National Diaspora Convention with First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in attendance, the initiative has since earned global recognition on the UNODC platform for its work against migrant exploitation and organised crime.