A senior lawyer from Akure, Ondo State, has closed his law chamber and relocated to the United Kingdom, where he now works as a cleaner to make a living.
The move has sparked conversations about the exodus of skilled professionals from Nigeria and the challenges they encounter abroad.
The case was brought to light by Bolanle Cole, a human rights lawyer in Ondo, who voiced his concern on November 24, 2024, about the rising trend of senior lawyers and other well-qualified Nigerians moving overseas, only to find themselves in roles far below their qualifications.
“It’s disheartening to see skilled professionals, including senior lawyers, leave Nigeria only to end up as security guards, sales assistants, and cleaners abroad,” Cole remarked.
“These are people with years of education and experience, yet they are forced to start over in menial jobs simply because they are seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families.”
Cole explained that while the economic challenges in Nigeria have driven many to seek greener pastures abroad, the reality of working in these countries can be harsh. The lawyer’s story has become part of a larger narrative of the “japa” syndrome—a slang term describing Nigerians’ desire to emigrate in search of a better quality of life. But as many are finding, the journey from their homeland to perceived prosperity in foreign lands is not without sacrifice.
This latest case underscores the sacrifices made by Nigerian professionals who have chosen to leave their homes and expertise behind. It raises questions about how Nigeria can better support and retain its skilled workforce, particularly in fields like law, medicine, and education, where expertise is in high demand.
As more stories like this emerge, they highlight the harsh realities Nigerian professionals face abroad and intensify calls for meaningful changes to make staying and thriving in Nigeria a viable option.
