The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Chief Wole Olanipekun, has stated that the institution is yet to fully recover from the impact of mass migration, popularly known as “Japa.”
Chief Olanipekun made the remarks during the presentation of first degrees to graduating students from the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at the ongoing 55th Convocation ceremonies on Tuesday, January 14.
He called on the federal government to enhance welfare packages, particularly salaries and allowances, to address the growing human capital deficit in the country’s educational sector.
“As a senior member of the bar, let us commend the President for approving increased welfare packages for judicial officers, including basic salaries and allowances,” he said. “I stand here as a senior citizen to extend this gesture to academia. Whatever status we have achieved, we owe it to our teachers.”
He further emphasized that the University of Lagos is still grappling with the effects of the “Japa” syndrome. “As a nation, we must consciously address the human capital deficit in our universities,” he urged.
In his address to the graduates, he encouraged them to be ambassadors of positive change, reminding them that they have gained the knowledge necessary to shape their careers. “Always remember that you are ambassadors of the university. Be agents of positive change; you are positioned to mold and transform the future generations,” he concluded.
