A Nigerian senior lawyer has relocated to the UK, leaving his Akure chamber to work as a cleaner at Primark. Human rights lawyer Bolanle Cole expressed concern over the growing trend of professionals migrating abroad only to end up in low-paying jobs. This "Japa" phenomenon is worrying.
A senior Nigerian lawyer has reportedly closed his chamber in Akure and relocated to the United Kingdom, where he now works as a cleaner at Primark. This move has sparked concerns among legal professionals in Nigeria, with human rights lawyer Bolanle Cole expressing disappointment at the trend of Nigerian professionals, including senior lawyers, relocating abroad only to take up low-paying jobs like security guards and sales assistants.
Cole emphasized that this migration, often driven by family influence and the hope for better opportunities abroad, is concerning as it signals a lack of career progression for highly skilled individuals. According to Cole, the lawyer, who initially moved to the UK on a study visa, now faces the harsh reality of working in menial jobs to survive.
This shift, known as "Japa" (a colloquial term for mass migration), is becoming increasingly common among Nigerian professionals seeking a better quality of life abroad, though many face challenges in securing jobs that match their qualifications. While the UK offers opportunities, the economic realities can be stark for those who are forced to start over in entry-level roles.
