Nigerian Education Minister Addresses 'JAPA' Concerns

The Nigerian Minister of Education addressed concerns about the increasing trend of students leaving the country for foreign universities, commonly referred to as 'JAPA'. During an interview in Alausa, he stated that Nigerian educational institutions are now more attractive due to improvements made by the current administration.

He rejected figures indicating that Nigeria ranks third globally in outbound student mobility, claiming they are outdated and do not reflect the current educational landscape. According to the minister, the 2023 data showing a significant number of Nigerian students studying abroad is misleading.

He noted that the Nigerian education system has faced challenges, including prolonged disruptions to the academic calendar and inadequate investment in tertiary institutions. However, he asserted that the restoration of the academic calendar has helped rebuild confidence in local universities.

The minister highlighted the popularity of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) program, which has seen increased enrollment, indicating a growing trust in local educational options.