The Japa Syndrome

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that the Nigerian dream is to 'japa'. Japa means “to escape”, but in contemporary Nigerian slang, it describes a nationwide movement that is characterized by youth leaving the country in search of greener pastures.

Nigeria is beloved by its citizens for its rich cultural climate, and general sense of camaraderie among its inhabitants. However, despite its good parts, Nigeria is not the easiest place to live in.

With a lack of stable infrastructure, financial instability, and poor governance, Nigerians living in Nigeria face a myriad of challenges daily.

The Nigerian statistics office reports an unemployment rate of 4.3%, and an underemployment rate of 9.2% in 2025. These statistics reflect a dire state of society, where youth graduate into a failing job market and challenging economy.

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Those with stable employment are not faring much better. With a minimum wage of 70,000 naira, many Nigerians can barely afford annual rent in the metropolitan areas of Nigeria.

To top all of that off, the Nigerian healthcare system is underfunded and overloaded. Healthcare workers handle overwhelming numbers of patients on a daily basis. With such an enormous load on healthcare workers, each patient hardly gets adequate medical care.

In such circumstances, many Nigerian youth are forced to make the hard decision to abandon all they know, and move to more established parts of the world in search of a better life.

Nigerians have a running joke that claims that wherever you go in the world, you will meet at least one Nigerian. Although that is largely true, many Nigerians are partial to the United Kingdom because of the comfort of familiarity.

Nigeria was colonized by the British. Consequently both nations share Queen's English and legal and social customs. Nigerians constitute the largest immigrant population in the UK. It is one of the most sought-after locations for Nigerians looking to flee Nigeria.

This is true for not only Nigerians, but other Africans as well. The United Kingdom is teeming with African immigrants who hope to secure degrees and/or jobs, and thus integrate into the British economic society.

Immigrants range from teenage students and single mothers to established family units.

Migration And The African Condition

African university students in the UK sometimes come from families who could barely afford the cost of tuition and accommodation in the UK. Many African students studying in the United Kingdom are recipients of full or partial scholarships, without which they would be unable to afford tuition costs.

The dream is that the student graduates from university, gets a well paying job, and pays it forward by sponsoring their siblings, whether younger or older, through university or new business ventures. They are expected to do this in addition to taking full responsibility for their parents’ financial well-being.

Sometimes the students start to experience financial pressures as soon as they arrive, with extended family members and friends demanding financial support that may not be readily available.

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These pressures can strain even the easiest going relationships, changing the dynamic from an even playing field to one of a giver and a receiver.

Black Tax Affects Students Too

Africans in the diaspora are very familiar with the concept of black tax. Black tax refers to the financial burden shouldered by black people who have achieved a measure of success and consequently provide support to less financially secure family members.

Although black tax typically is borne by rich or middle class people, in this case the students are under heavy pressure to deliver immediately they earn a salary, even if their income is barely enough for self sustenance.

The strain of having to shoulder the responsibilities of a breadwinner can be staggering, and may affect the students’ ability to perform academically.

Even when there are no outright demands for money or financial support, students still feel obligated to take on the responsibility of care for their families.

In typical low income African families, everyone pitches in for the brightest or most promising member to realize financial success; typically by providing them with a migration plan.

The students in turn feel a sense of obligation towards the people who made their dream possible. When these students do not have the capacity to financially assist their relatives, they often experience a sense of guilt and self loathing.

Mental Health Issues in African Students

African students in the United Kingdom are also more susceptible to mental health illnesses than their western counterparts due to poor adaptation to the new environment. Mental health awareness is typically low or nonexistent in their communities.

Since African students are often deficient in proper mental health education, mental health issues are more often stigmatized in their communities, thereby preventing affected students from seeking help.

Over time, they could experience rapid deterioration and isolation due to the compounding stress.

Despite all the difficulties that line their path to success, many African students still continue to thrive academically and socially.

Community As A Cope

African students in UK universities usually join university clubs societies created with them in mind, where they can form connections with other African and Caribbean students.

Although they still have their struggles, a sense of community may help to tender the more dire effects. With like-minded groups of friends who understand their struggles and support them through their work, it is easier to navigate the treacheries of adapting to a strange environment.

Thriving Through The Challenges

African students are subject to a lot of challenges when they make the decision to emigrate to the United Kingdom. Despite the many advantages, the students often experience challenges that may cause them to falter.

However, many of their issues may be eased by proper education on mental health, black tax, and social dynamics that may affect them. In addition, being proactive about creating and maintaining an active community will soften the impact of familial and social pressures.

Although many African students carry an enormous burden, they can still achieve success.